Image processing apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to an image processing apparatus and a method that can more easily improve encoding efficiency. A packing processing unit configured to perform packing processing of rearranging pixel data of RAW data that is image data before demosaicing processing is performed according to the degree of correlation, and an encoding unit configured to encode the RAW data subjected to the packing processing by the packing processing unit are included. The present disclosure can be applied to image processing apparatuses such as an image encoding device that encodes the RAW data and an image decoding device that decodes encoded data that is encoded RAW data.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an image processing apparatus and amethod, and especially relates to an image processing apparatus and amethod that easily improve encoding efficiency.

BACKGROUND ART

In recent years, demands for compression of RAW data that is image datagenerated in image sensors or the like, and before demosaicingprocessing or the like is performed have been increasing.

As a system of encoding the image data, there is MPEG-4 Part10 (AdvancedVideo Coding, hereinafter, written as AVC). In recent years, with a viewto improving encoding efficiency, standardization of an encoding systemcalled high efficiency video coding (HEVC) has been in progress by ajoint collaboration team—video coding (JCTVC) that is a jointstandardization organization of International Telecommunication UnionTelecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T) and InternationalOrganization for Standardization/International ElectrotechnicalCommission (ISO/IEC) (for example, see Non-Patent Document 1).

CITATION LIST Non-Patent Document

Non-Patent Document 1: Benjamin Bross, Woo-Jin Han, Jens-Rainer Ohm,Gary J. Sullivan, Ye-Kui Wang, Thomas Wiegand, “High Efficiency VideoCoding (HEVC) text specification draft 10 (for FDIS & Last Call)”,JCTVC-L1003_version 34, 2013-03-19

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention

However, pixels in low correlation are adjacent in the RAW data.Therefore, it is difficult for an image encoding system like HEVC toefficiently perform encoding.

The present disclosure has been made in view of the foregoing, andenables the encoding efficiency to be easily improved in encoding RAWdata.

Solution to Problems

An image processing apparatus of one aspect of the present technology isan image processing apparatus including a packing processing unitconfigured to perform packing processing of rearranging pixel data ofRAW data that is image data before demosaicing processing is performedaccording to the degree of correlation, and an encoding unit configuredto encode the RAW data subjected to the packing processing by thepacking processing unit.

The packing processing unit can include a separating unit that separatesthe pixel data of the RAW data on a data by data basis, the data havinghigh correlation, an rearrangement unit that rearranges pixel datagroups separated on a data by data basis, the data having highcorrelation, by the separating unit, and a generation unit thatgenerates packing information related to the packing processing.

The separating unit can separate the pixel data on a pixel by pixelbasis, the pixel being allocated the same type of filter.

The separating unit can separate the pixel data on a pixel by pixelbasis, the pixel being allocated a color filter of the same color.

The rearrangement unit can rearrange the pixel data groups as componentsof a predetermined color space, and the encoding unit can encode thecomponents together or dependently of each other.

The encoding unit can encode the components on a partial region by apartial region basis of an image of the RAW data.

The rearrangement unit can rearrange the pixel data groups as mutuallydifferent partial regions of one or a plurality of images.

The rearrangement unit can rearrange the pixel data groups as data ofmutually different hierarchies of hierarchized image data.

The rearrangement unit can rearrange the image data subjected to thedemosaicing processing to a part of hierarchies.

An image processing method of one aspect of the present technology is animage processing method including performing packing processing ofrearranging pixel data of RAW data that is image data before demosaicingprocessing is performed according to the degree of correlation, andencoding the RAW data subjected to the packing processing.

An image processing apparatus of another aspect of the presenttechnology is an image processing apparatus including a decoding unitconfigured to decode encoded data that is encoded RAW data that is imagedata before demosaicing processing is performed, and an unpackingprocessing unit configured to perform unpacking processing of returningpixel data to an arrangement before packing processing is performed, forthe RAW data subjected to the packing processing of rearranging thepixel data according to the degree of correlation, the RAW data beingobtained by decoding by the decoding unit.

The unpacking processing unit can include a parsing unit that parsespacking information related to the packing processing, a separating unitthat separates the pixel data of the RAW data subjected to the packingprocessing, based on the packing information parsed by the parsing unit,and a rearrangement unit that rearranges the pixel data separated on adata by data basis, the data having high correlation, by the separatingunit, to be returned to an arrangement before the packing processing isperformed, based on the packing information parsed by the parsing unit.

The separating unit can separate the pixel data rearranged on a pixel bypixel basis, the pixel being allocated the same type of filter by thepacking processing, and the rearrangement unit can rearrange the pixeldata according to an array of the filter.

The separating unit can separate the pixel data rearranged on a pixel bypixel basis, the pixel being allocated a color filter of the same colorby the packing processing, and the rearrangement unit can rearrange thepixel data according to an array of the color filter.

The separating unit can separate the pixel data rearranged intocomponents of a predetermined color space on a data by data basis, thedata having high correlation.

The decoding unit can decode the encoded data that is encoded componentson a partial region by partial region basis of an image of the RAW data,on the partial region by partial region basis.

The separating unit can separate the pixel data rearranged in mutuallydifferent partial regions of one or a plurality of images, on a data bydata basis, the data having high correlation.

The separating unit can separate the pixel data rearranged in mutuallydifferent hierarchies of hierarchized image data on a data by databasis, the data having high correlation.

The separating unit can separate the pixel data rearranged in otherhierarchies except a part of hierarchies, the image data subjected tothe demosaicing processing being arranged in the part.

An image processing method of another aspect of the present technologyis an image processing method including decoding encoded data that isencoded RAW data that is image data before demosaicing processing isperformed, and performing unpacking processing of returning the pixeldata to an arrangement before packing processing is performed, for theRAW data subjected to the packing processing of rearranging the pixeldata according to the degree of correlation, the RAW data being obtainedby decoding.

In one aspect of the present technology, packing processing ofrearranging pixel data of RAW data that is image data before demosaicingprocessing is performed according to the degree of correlation isperformed, and the RAW data subjected to the packing processing isencoded.

In another aspect of the present technology, encoded data that isencoded RAW data that is image data before demosaicing processing isperformed is decoded, and unpacking processing of returning pixel datato an arrangement before packing processing is performed, for the RAWdata subjected to the packing processing of rearranging the pixel dataaccording to the degree of correlation, the RAW data being obtained bydecoding is performed.

Effects of the Invention

According to the present disclosure, an image can be encoded/decoded.Especially, the encoding efficiency can be more easily improved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram for describing a configuration example of a codingunit.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hierarchical imageencoding system.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for describing an example of spatial scalableencoding.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for describing an example of temporal scalableencoding.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for describing an example of scalable encoding of asignal/noise ratio.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for describing an example of packing processing.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for describing an example of packing processing.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for describing an example of packing processing.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for describing an example of packing processing.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for describing an example of packing processing.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for describing an example of packing processing.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for describing an example of packing processing.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for describing an example of packing processing.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for describing an example of characteristics ofpacking processing.

FIGS. 15A and 15B are diagrams illustrating an example of syntax andsemantics.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of syntax of CFAP SEI.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of semantics of CFAP SEI.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of CFAP type.

FIGS. 19A and 19B are diagrams illustrating a setting example of CFAPSEI.

FIGS. 20A and 20B are diagrams illustrating a setting example of CFAPSEI.

FIGS. 21A and 21B are diagrams illustrating a setting example of CFAPSEI.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting various syntaxelements.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting various syntaxelements.

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting various syntaxelements.

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting various syntaxelements.

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting various syntaxelements.

FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting various syntaxelements.

FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting various syntaxelements.

FIG. 29 is a block diagram illustrating a principal configurationexample of an image encoding device.

FIG. 30 is a block diagram illustrating a principal configurationexample of a packing unit.

FIG. 31 is a block diagram illustrating a principal configurationexample of an image encoding unit.

FIG. 32 is a block diagram illustrating a principal configurationexample of an encoding unit.

FIG. 33 is a block diagram illustrating a principal configurationexample of a base layer image encoding unit.

FIG. 34 is a block diagram illustrating a principal configurationexample of an enhancement layer image encoding unit.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart for describing an example of a flow of RAW imageencoding processing.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart for describing an example of a flow of packingprocessing.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart for describing an example of a flow of imageencoding processing.

FIG. 38 is a flowchart for describing an example of a flow of encodingprocessing.

FIG. 39 is a flowchart for describing an example of a flow of base layerencoding processing.

FIG. 40 is a flowchart for describing an example of a flow ofenhancement layer encoding processing.

FIG. 41 is a block diagram illustrating a principle configurationexample of an image decoding device.

FIG. 42 is a block diagram illustrating a principal configurationexample of an image decoding unit.

FIG. 43 is a block diagram illustrating a principal configurationexample of a decoding unit.

FIG. 44 is a block diagram illustrating a principal configurationexample of a base layer image decoding unit.

FIG. 45 is a block diagram illustrating a principal configurationdiagram of an enhancement layer image decoding unit.

FIG. 46 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of anunpacking unit.

FIG. 47 is a flowchart for describing an example of a flow of RAW imagedecoding processing.

FIG. 48 is a flowchart for describing an example of a flow of imagedecoding processing.

FIG. 49 is a flowchart for describing an example of a flow of decodingprocessing.

FIG. 50 is a flowchart for describing an example of a flow of base layerdecoding processing.

FIG. 51 is a flowchart for describing an example of a flow ofenhancement layer decoding processing.

FIG. 52 is a flowchart for describing an example of a flow of unpackingprocessing.

FIG. 53 is a diagram illustrating an example of a multi-view imageencoding system.

FIG. 54 is a diagram illustrating a principal configuration example of amulti-view image encoding device to which the present technology isapplied.

FIG. 55 is a diagram illustrating a principal configuration example of amulti-view image decoding device to which the present technology isapplied.

FIG. 56 is a block diagram illustrating a principal configurationexample of a computer.

FIG. 57 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematicconfiguration of a television device.

FIG. 58 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematicconfiguration of a mobile phone device.

FIG. 59 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematicconfiguration of a recording/reproducing device.

FIG. 60 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematicconfiguration of an imaging device.

FIG. 61 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematicconfiguration of a video set.

FIG. 62 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematicconfiguration of a video processor.

FIG. 63 is a block diagram illustrating another example of a schematicconfiguration of a video processor.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments for implementing the present disclosure(hereinafter, referred to as embodiments) will be described. Note thatthe description will be given according to the following order.

1. First Embodiment (Packing and Transmission of Packing Information)

2. Second Embodiment (Image Encoding Device)

3. Third Embodiment (Image Decoding Device)

4. Fourth Embodiment (Multi-view Image Encoding/Multi-view ImageDecoding Device)

5. Fifth Embodiment (Computer)

6. Sixth Embodiment (Application Example)

7. Seventh Embodiment (Set Unit Module Processor)

1. First Embodiment Flow of Standardization of Image Encoding

In recent years, devices that digitally handle image information with aview to highly efficient transmission and accumulation of theinformation, and compress and encode images by employing an encodingsystem that performs compression by orthogonal transform such asdiscrete cosine transform and motion compensation, using redundancyinherent to the image information, have been spreading. An example ofthis encoding system includes Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG).

Especially, MPEG2 (ISO/IEC 13818-2) is defined as a general-purposeimage encoding system, and is applicable to both interlaced scannedimages and progressive scanned images, and to standard-resolution imagesand high-definition images. For example, currently, MPEG2 is used in awide range of applications for professionals and general consumers. Byuse of the MPEG2 compression system, a code amount (bit rate) of 4 to 8Mbps is assigned to an interlaced image having a standard resolution of720×480 pixels, and a code amount (bit rate) of 18 to 22 Mbps isassigned to an interlaced image having a high resolution of 1920×1088pixels, for example. Accordingly, high compression rates and favorableimage quality can be realized.

MPEG2 is designed mainly for high-quality image encoding adapted tobroadcasting, but is not compatible with a lower code amount (lower bitrates) than MPEG1 or encoding systems with higher compression rates.With the popularization of mobile terminals, the demand for suchencoding systems is expected to increase in the future, and to meet thedemands, the MPEG4 encoding system has been standardized. As for imageencoding systems, the ISO/IEC 14496-2 standard was approved as aninternational standard in December 1998.

Further, a standard called H.26L (International Telecommunication UnionTelecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T) Q6/16 Video CodingExpert Group (VCEG)), which is originally intended for encoding imagesfor video conferences, is currently being set. Compared with theconventional encoding systems such as MPEG2 and MPEG4, H.26L requires alarger amount of calculation in encoding and decoding, but is known toachieve higher encoding efficiency. Further, as a part of the MPEG4activity, Joint Model of Enhanced-Compression Video Coding is now beingestablished as a standard for achieving higher encoding efficiency byincorporating functions unsupported by H.26L into the functions based onH.26L.

On the standardization schedule, the standard was approved as aninternational standard under the name of H.264 and MPEG-4 Part 10(Advanced Video Coding, hereinafter referred to as AVC) in March 2003.

Further, as an extension of H. 264/AVC, FRExt (Fidelity Range Extension)involving encoding tools required for professional use, such as RGB,4:2:2, and 4:4:4, and 8×8 DCT and quantization matrixes defined byMPEG-2, was set as a standard in February 2005. This is an encodingmethod that enables excellent representation of even film noisecontained in movie films by using H. 264/AVC, and is now used in a widerange of applications such as Blu-Ray discs (trademark).

However, there is an increasing demand for encoding at a highercompression rate to compress images having about 4000×2000 pixels, whichis four times higher than the high-definition image resolution, ordistribute high-definition images in circumstances of limitedtransmission capacities like the Internet. Therefore, studies related toimprovement in encoding efficiency are still continued by VCEG underITU-T.

Therefore, currently, with a view to further improvement of the encodingefficiency from AVC, standardization of an encoding system called HighEfficiency Video Coding (HEVC) has been in progress by JointCollaboration Team—Video Coding (JCTVC) that is a joint standardizationgroup of ITU-T and International Organization forStandardization/International Electrotechnical Commission (ISO/IEC). Asfor the HEVC standard, Committee draft in a draft version specificationwas issued on January 2013 (for example, see Non-Patent Document 1).

<Encoding System>

Hereinafter, the present technology will be described using anapplication to image encoding/decoding of High Efficiency Video Coding(HEVC) system, as an example.

<Coding Unit>

In an advanced video coding (AVC) system, a hierarchical structure madeof macroblocks and sub macroblocks is defined. However, a macroblock of16×16 pixels is not optimal for a large frame such as an Ultra HighDefinition (UHD: 4000×2000 pixels) frame, which is to be encoded by anext-generation encoding method.

In contrast, in the HEVC system, as illustrated in FIG. 1, coding unit(CU) is defined.

CU is also called Coding Tree Block (CTB), and is a partial region of animage in units of picture, which serves a role similar to themacroblocks in the AVC system. While the size of the latter is fixed to16×16 pixels, the size of the former is not fixed to a certain size, andis specified in image compressed information in each sequence.

For example, in a sequence parameter set (Sequence Parameter Set (SPS))contained in encoded data to be output, the maximum size (Largest Codingunit (LCU)) and the minimum size (Smallest Coding Unit (SCU)) of the CUare defined.

In each LCU, split−flag=1 is set within a range not smaller than the SCUsize, so that each LCU can be divided into CUs of a smaller size. In theexample of FIG. 1, the size of the LCU is 128, and the maximumhierarchical depth is 5. When the value of split_flag is “1”, a CU of2N×2N in size is divided into CUs of N×N in size, which is one lowerhierarchy.

Further, the CU is further divided into Prediction Units (PUs) that areprocessing-unit regions (partial regions of an image in units ofpicture) for intra or inter prediction, or is divided into TransformUnits (TUs) that are processing-unit regions (partial regions of animage in units of picture) for orthogonal transform. At present, 16×16and 32×32 orthogonal transform, as well as 4×4 and 8×8 orthogonaltransform, can be used in the HEVC system.

In a case of an encoding system where the CU is defined and varioustypes of processing are performed in units of CU in the manner like theHEVC system, the macroblock in the AVC system can be considered tocorrespond to the LCU, and the block (sub-block) can be considered tocorrespond to the CU. Further, a motion compensation block in the AVCsystem can be considered to correspond to the PU. However, the CU has ahierarchical structure. Therefore, the size of the LCU on the highesthierarchy is typically as large as 128×128 pixels, which is larger thanthe size of the macroblock in the AVC system, for example.

Therefore, hereinafter, the LCU contains the macroblock in the AVCsystem, and the CU contains the block (sub block) in the AVC system.That is, “block” used in the description below indicates an arbitrarypartial region in a picture, and the size, shape, characteristics, andthe like thereof are not limited. That is, the “block” containsarbitrary regions (processing unit) such as TU, PU, SCU, CU, LCU, subblock, macroblock, and slice. Apparently, partial regions (processingunit) other than the above regions are also contained. When the size,the processing unit, or the like needs to be defined, description willbe appropriately given.

Further, in the present specification, a Coding Tree Unit (CTU) is aunit containing a Coding Tree Block (CTB) of the LCU (the maximum numberof CUs), and a parameter of when processing is performed at an LCU base(level). Further, the coding unit (CU) that configures the CTU is a unitcontaining the Coding Block (CB), and a parameter of when processing isperformed at a CU base (level).

<Mode Selection>

By the way, to achieve higher encoding efficiency in the AVC and HEVCencoding systems, selection of an appropriate prediction mode isimportant.

An example of such a selection system includes a method mounted inH.264/MPEG-4 AVC reference software, called Joint Model (JM) (availableat http://iphome.hhi.de/suehring/tml/index.htm).

In JM, the two mode determination methods including High Complexity Modeand Low Complexity Mode, described below, can be selected. By either ofthe methods, a cost function value as to each prediction mode Mode iscalculated, and the prediction mode that minimizes the cost functionvalue is selected as the optimum mode for the block or macroblock.

A cost function in High Complexity Mode is expressed by the followingequation (1).

[Mathematical Formula 1]

Cost(Mode εΩ))=D+λ*R  (1)

Here, Ω represents a universal set of candidate modes for encoding theblock or macroblock, and D represents the difference energy between adecoded image and an input image when encoding is performed in theprediction mode. λ represents the Lagrange's undetermined multiplierprovided as a quantization parameter function. R represents a total bitrate in a case where encoding is performed in the mode, including anorthogonal transform coefficient.

That is, to perform encoding in High Complexity Mode, a provisionalencoding processing needs to be performed once in all the candidatemodes to calculate the above parameters D and R. Therefore, a largeramount of calculation is required.

A cost function in Low Complexity Mode is expressed by the followingequation (2).

[Mathematical Formula 2]

Cost(Mode εΩ))=D+QP2Quant(QP)*HeaderBit  (2)

Here, D differs from that in High Complexity Mode, and representsdifference energy between a predicted image and an input image. QP2Quant(QP) represents a function of a quantization parameter QP, and HeaderBitrepresents a code amount related to information that excludes theorthogonal transform coefficient and belongs to Header, such as a motionvector and the mode.

That is, in Low Complexity Mode, prediction processing needs to beperformed for each of the candidate modes, but a decoded image is notrequired. Therefore, there is no need to perform encoding processing.Accordingly, the amount of calculation can be smaller than that in HighComplexity Mode.

<Hierarchy Encoding>

By the way, conventional image encoding systems like MPEG2 and AVC havea scalability function. Scalable encoding (hierarchical encoding) is asystem that makes an image into a plurality of layers (hierarchies), andperforms encoding on a layer by layer basis. FIG. 2 is a diagramillustrating an example of a hierarchical image encoding system.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, in the hierarchization of an image, one imageis divided into a plurality of hierarchies (layers) based on apredetermined parameter having the scalability function. That is, thehierarchized image (hierarchical image) includes images in a pluralityof hierarchies (layers) with the predetermined parameters havingmutually different values. The plurality of layers of the hierarchicalimage is made of a base layer for which encoding/decoding is performedusing only the image of the own layer without using images of otherlayers, and a non-base layer (also called enhancement layer) for whichencoding/decoding is performed using images of other layers. Thenon-base layer may use an image of the base layer, or may use an imageof another non-base layer.

Typically, the non-base layer is configured from data (difference data)of a difference image between the own image and an image of anotherlayer so as to decrease the redundancy. For example, when one image isdivided into two hierarchies of the base layer and the non-base layer(also called enhancement layer), a lower-quality image than the originalimage can be obtained with data of the base layer only, and the originalimage (that is, a high-quality image) can be obtained by compositing thedata of the base layer and data of the non-base layer.

By hierarchizing images as described above, images with a variety ofqualities can be easily obtained according to the situation. Imagecompression information according to capabilities of terminals andnetworks can be transmitted from a server without performing transcodeprocessing. For example, for a terminal with a low processing capacity,such as a mobile phone, the image compression information of the baselayer only is transmitted, and a moving image with a low spatialtemporal resolution or with low image quality is reproduced. For aterminal with a high processing capability, such as a television or apersonal computer, the image compression information of the enhancementlayer is transmitted in addition to that of the base layer, and a movingimage with a high spatial temporal resolution or with high image qualityis reproduced.

<Scalable Parameter>

In such hierarchical image encoding/hierarchical image decoding(scalable encoding/scalable decoding), the parameter having ascalability function is arbitrary. For example, a spatial resolution asillustrated in FIG. 3 may be used as the parameter (spatialscalability). In the case of the spatial scalability, the resolution ofan image differs in each layer. That is, as illustrated in FIG. 3, eachpicture is hierarchized into two hierarchies of the base layer with aspatially lower resolution than the original image, and the enhancementlayer with which the original image (original spatial resolution) can beobtained by being composited with the image of the base layer.Apparently, the number of hierarchies is an example, and an image can behierarchized into an arbitrary number of hierarchies.

Further, as the parameter having scalability, for example, a temporalresolution as illustrated in FIG. 4 may be applied (temporalscalability). In the case of the temporal scalability, the frame ratediffers in each layer. That is, in this case, as illustrated in FIG. 4,an image is hierarchized into layers with mutually different framerates. A layer with a high frame rate is added to a layer with a lowerframe rate, so that a moving image with a higher frame rate can beobtained, and all the layers are added, so that the original movingimage (original frame rate) can be obtained. The number of hierarchiesis an example, and an image can be hierarchized into an arbitrary numberof hierarchies.

Further, as the parameter having scalability, for example, a signal tonoise ratio (SNR) as illustrated in FIG. 5 may be applied (SNRscalability). In the case of the SNR scalability, the SN ratio differsin each layer. That is, in this case, as illustrated in FIG. 5, eachpicture is hierarchized into two hierarchies of the base layer with alower SNR than the original image, and the enhancement layer with whichthe original image (original SNR) can be obtained by being compositedwith the image of the base layer. That is, in the base layer imagecompression information, information related to an image with a low PSNRis transmitted, and the enhancement layer image compression informationis added thereto, so that a high PSNR image can be reconfigured.Apparently, the number of hierarchies is an example, and an image can behierarchized into an arbitrary number of hierarchies.

The parameter having scalability may be another one. For example, thereis bit-depth scalability in which the base layer is made of an 8-bitimage, and the enhancement layer is added thereto, so that 10-bit imagecan be obtained.

Further, there is chroma scalability in which the base layer is made ofa component image in the 4:2:0 format, and the enhancement layer isadded thereto, so that a component image in the 4:2:2 format can beobtained.

<RAW Data>

By the way, in recent years, RAW data that is image data beforedemosaicing processing is performed has become used.

In single-plate type charge coupled device (CCD) image sensors orcomplementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensors employed inmany digital cameras, each pixel has single color information.Therefore, typically, “demosaicing” (de-mosaic) processing of gatheringinsufficient color information from peripheral pixels of each pixel tosupplement the color information, and creating a full-color image isperformed at the time of capturing. Further, in many digital cameras,image processing of automatically retouching tones of the color andbrightness is performed in parallel to the demosaicing, and a completedimage is stored in a general purpose image format such as JointPhotographic Experts Group (JPEG) or Tagged Image File Format (TIFF).

However, accuracy of the demosaicing and the automatic retouching mayexert substantial influence on the image quality of the completed image.Further, after the processing (also called development processing),white balance (color temperature) and the like are fixed. Therefore,modification cannot be easily performed. Further, the JPEG format usedfor final storage is typically lossy compression, and thinning of thecolor information in a horizontal direction is also performed.Therefore, in principle, the image quality may be deteriorated, comparedwith the original data. Further, the color depth of the format hastypically only 8 bits for each color (24 bits as a total). Therefore,there is no choice but to substantially discard information receivedfrom the image sensor with 12-bit accuracy, and exposure (light anddark, and luminance of the image) adjustment after capturing may becomedifficult.

As described above, raw data before demosaicing, that is, the RAW datahas been used with a view to suppressing deterioration of the imagequality, maintaining the degree of freedom in adjustment of variousparameters related to the image quality, and the like. For example, afunction to store the RAW data obtained by imaging, and allow a user orthe like to freely perform image processing for the RAW data later hasbeen mounted in digital cameras and the like.

However, the RAW data is large in data size, and has disadvantages instorage and transmission, compared with JPEG data and the like.Especially, in recent years, the data size is going on increasing due toan increase in the number of pixels, and handling (storage,transmission, and the like) of the RAW data becomes more difficult.

<Encoding of RAW Data>

Therefore, demands for compression of the RAW data have been increasing,and higher compression methods have been desired. The above-describedHEVC can highly efficiently encode the image data. However, since theRAW data is data obtained from the image sensor or the like, color(band) of information included in each pixel data depends on an array offilters of the image sensor or the like arranged in the each pixel.

Typically, the filters are arrayed such that the entire pixel region canbecome uniform. Therefore, when filters of a plurality of colors (aplurality of bands) are arranged, the filters of mutually differentcolors (bands) are arrayed adjacent to each other. As a result, in theRAW data obtained from such an image sensor or the like, pixels havinglow correlation are adjacent.

The image encoding system like HEVC compresses the information amountusing the correlation in a spatial direction or a temporal direction ofthe image. Therefore, even if the image encoding system is simplyapplied to encoding of the RAW data where pixels having low correlationare adjacent, the encoding cannot be easily efficiently performed.

<Packing Processing>

Therefore, packing processing of rearranging each pixel data of the RAWdata that is image data before demosaicing processing is performed isperformed at an encoding side according to the degree of correlation,and the RAW data subjected to the packing processing is encoded. Thatis, in encoding RAW image data, the packing processing of rearrangingthe pixel data of the RAW data is performed according to the degree ofcorrelation as processing before the encoding (preprocessing).

By performing the packing processing before encoding, an image in whichhighly correlated pixels are gathered can be encoded. Therefore, the RAWdata can be highly efficiently encoded, similarly to a case of normalimage data after demosaicing processing, by a method similar to a normalmethod of encoding the image data after demosaicing processing (withoutrequiring special processing for RAW data). That is, the encodingefficiency can be more easily improved.

The packing processing may separate the pixel data of the RAW data on adata by data basis, the data having high correlation, rearrange pixeldata groups separated on a data by data basis, the data having highcorrelation, and generate the packing information related to the packingprocessing for unpacking processing that is inverse processing to thepacking processing, for example.

In doing so, the pixel data of the RAW data can be rearranged accordingto the degree of correlation, and the original RAW data can be easilyrestored using the packing information.

<Separation>

The method of separating the pixel data of the RAW data on a data bydata basis, the data having high correlation, is arbitrary. For example,the correlation of the pixel data may be examined, and the pixel datamay be separated based on an examination result. Further, for example,information provided in advance may be used. For example, the pixel datamay be separated on a pixel by pixel basis, to which the same type offilters are allocated. For example, when color filters are allocated,the pixel data may be separated on a pixel by pixel basis, to whichfilters of the same color are allocated. For example, when RGB colorfilters are allocated, the pixel data may be separated into three groups(pixel data groups) of the pixel data of pixels to which the red (R)filter is allocated, the pixel data of pixels to which the green (G)filter is allocated, and the pixel data of pixels to which the blue (B)filter is allocated.

Apparently, the colors of the color filters and the number of colors arearbitrary. Further, the filters may include filters of other thanvisible light, such as infrared filters. For example, a white pixel (W)that is a pixel to which a filter that allows all bands to transmit isallocated (or a pixel to which no filter is allocated) may be included.Further, for example, a pixel for detecting depth data (Depth) may beincluded. Further, for example, filters made of RGB and infrared filtersmay be allocated. In this case, for example, the pixel data may beseparated into four groups (pixel data groups) of the pixel data ofpixels to which the red (R) filter is allocated, the pixel data ofpixels to which the green (G) filter is allocated, the pixel data ofpixels to which the blue (B) filter is allocated, and the pixel data ofpixels to which the infrared filter is allocated.

Further, in the case of using the information provided in advance,separation may be performed based on information other than filters. Forexample, a part or all of the pixels may be separated based on theinformation other than filters.

As described above, by use of the information of the allocated filters,examination of correlation among the pixel data becomes unnecessary.Therefore, separation of the pixel data can be more easily performed.

<Rearrangement>

The method of rearranging the pixel data groups separated on a data bydata basis, the data having high correlation, is arbitrary.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the pixel data groups may berearranged as components of a predetermined color space. In the case ofFIG. 6, as illustrated in the left drawing, the RGB color filters in aBayer array are allocated to the RAW data. The packing processing isperformed for the RAW data as the preprocessing of encoding, and the RAWdata is separated into pixel data groups made of respective colorpixels, as illustrated in the right drawing. Then, the pixel data groupsare rearranged as respective components (color planes) of an YCbCr colorspace. To be specific, the green (G) pixel data group illustrated by thewhite squares is associated with luminance (Y) of a YCbCr componentsignal, the blue (B) pixel data group illustrated by the squares withslant lines from upper right to lower left is associated withchrominance (Cb) of an YCbCr component signal, and the red (R) pixeldata group illustrated by the squares with diagonal lines from lowerright to upper left is associated with chrominance (Cr) of an YCbCrcomponent signal. Note that the color space where the pixel data groupsare arranged is arbitrary, and another color space such as a YUV, otherthan YCbCr may be employed.

As described above, the RAW data separated into color planes is encodedin a predetermined color format such as 4:2:0, 4:2:2, or 4:4:4. In whichcolor format the RAW data is encoded depends on ratios of the number ofpixels of the color planes. For example, in the case of FIG. 6, sincethe color filters are in the Bayer array, the number of pixels of thegreen (G) pixel data group is twice as many as the red (R) pixel datagroup and the blue (B) pixel data group. Therefore, the color format is4:2:0.

Note that the color planes (components) may be encoded independently ofeach other, or the color planes may be commonly encoded (encodedtogether).

Further, the above encoding may be performed for each partial region ofthe image of the RAW data, like the example of FIG. 7. In the case ofFIG. 7, the pixel data groups in which the RAW data to which the RGBcolor filters in the Bayer array are allocated, similarly to the case ofFIG. 6, is separated and rearranged on a color by color basis by thepacking processing, are encoded for each predetermined partial region,such as a tile or a slice. In doing so, decoding can be performed forthe each partial region (the tile or slice).

Further, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the pixel data groupsmay be rearranged as mutually different partial regions of one image. Inthe case of FIG. 8, the RAW data to which the RGB color filters in theBayer array are allocated, similarly to the case of FIG. 6, is spatiallyseparated and rearranged by the packing processing. For example, theseparated pixel data groups are rearranged in mutually different partialregions (for example, tiles or slices) of one image.

In this case, the RAW data is encoded as one image of one component (forexample, only luminance (Y)). That is, all the pixel data groups areregarded as the luminance component, and the RAW data is encoded in the4:0:0 format. Further, at that time, the RAW data is encoded for eachpartial region (the tile or the slice) used for separating the pixeldata groups as described above.

Further, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the pixel data groupsmay be rearranged as data of mutually different hierarchies (layers) ofhierarchized image data. In the case of FIG. 9, the RAW data isspatially separated and rearranged on a data by data basis, the datahaving high correlation, by the packing processing, similarly to thecase of FIG. 6. For example, the separated pixel data groups arerearranged in mutually different hierarchies (layer 0 to layer 3) of oneimage.

The data of the hierarchies (layers) may be encoded independently ofeach other, or may be commonly encoded (encoded together). For example,when there is correlation among the hierarchies (pixel data groups),encoding is performed using inter-layer prediction, so that the encodingefficiency can be improved. Further, for example, when there is nocorrelation among the hierarchies (pixel data groups), like depthinformation, the data of the hierarchies (layers) is encodedindependently of each other, so that decoding can be performed on ahierarchy (layer) by hierarchy (layer) basis.

Further, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the image datasubjected to the demosaicing processing may be rearranged in a part ofhierarchies. In other words, the image data subjected to the demosaicingprocessing may be arranged in a part of the hierarchies. In the case ofFIG. 10, the RAW data to which the RGB color filters in the Bayer arrayare allocated, similarly to the case of FIG. 6, is separated on a colorby color basis by the packing processing, and the pixel data groups ofthe respective colors are spatially separated and rearranged. Forexample, the separated pixel data groups are rearranged in mutuallydifferent hierarchies (layer 1 to layer 3) of one image. Then, in apredetermined hierarchy (layer 0), the image data that is developed RAWdata (subjected to the demosaicing processing and the image processingsuch as retouching of tones of color and brightness) (or data of athumbnail image (thumbnail image data) that is a reduced image of theimage data) is arranged.

Similarly to the case of FIG. 9, the data of the hierarchies (layers)may be encoded independently of each other, or may be commonly encoded(encoded together).

Further, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the pixel data groupsmay be rearranged as mutually different partial regions of a pluralityof images. In the case of FIG. 11, the RAW data to which the RGB colorfilters in the Bayer array are allocated, similarly to the case of FIG.6, is subjected to the packing processing. At this time, as illustratedin FIG. 11, even the pixels to which the same green (G) filter isallocated, such as a green (G₀) pixel and a green (G₁) pixel, are inmutually different phases (spatially shifted by one pixel in the rightand left direction). Therefore, intra prediction and the like may not becorrectly performed. Therefore, in the case of FIG. 11, the green (G₀)pixel and the green (G₁) pixel are separated into mutually differentpixel data groups, and rearranged.

In the example of FIG. 11, the green (G₀) pixel data group and the green(G₁) pixel data group are rearranged in mutually different images(frames). For example, the green (G₀) pixel data group is rearranged toa frame 0, and the green (G₁) pixel data group is rearranged to a frame1.

Note that the red (R) pixel data group and the blue (B) pixel data groupmay be respectively rearranged to any frame (the frame 0 or the frame1). At this time, the red (R) pixel data group and the blue (B) pixeldata group may be rearranged to partial regions (tiles or slices)different from the green (G₀) pixel data group and the green (G₁) pixeldata group, or may be rearranged to hierarchies (layers) different fromthe green (G₀) pixel data group and the green (G₁) pixel data group.

As described above, the pixel data groups rearranged in a plurality ofimages (frames) are encoded on an image (frame) by image (frame) basis.

Note that the green (G₀) pixel data group and the green (G₁) pixel datagroup may be rearranged in mutually different partial regions (tiles orslices) of the same image, as described by reference to FIG. 8. In thiscase, the four pixel data groups of the green (G₀) pixel data group, thegreen (G₁) pixel data group, the red (R) pixel data group, and the blue(B) pixel data group are rearranged in mutually different partialregions (tiles or slices). Encoding of this case is similarly performedto the case described by reference to FIG. 8.

Further, the green (G₀) pixel data group and the green (G₁) pixel datagroup may be rearranged in mutually different hierarchies (layers) ofthe same image, as described by reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. In thiscase, the four pixel data groups of the green (G₀) pixel data group, thegreen (G₁) pixel data group, the red (R) pixel data group, and the blue(B) pixel data group are rearranged in mutually different hierarchies(layers). Encoding of this case is similarly performed to the casedescribed by reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.

Note that the green (G₀) pixel and the green (G₁) pixel have highcorrelation. Therefore, when the green (G₀) pixel data group and thegreen (G₁) pixel data group are rearranged in mutually different images(frames or layers), as illustrated in the example of FIG. 11, interprediction is applied to these pixel data (frames or layers), asillustrated in the example of FIG. 12, and the encoding efficiency canbe improved. Note that, as described above, the green (G₀) pixel and thegreen (G₁) pixel are in mutually different spatial positions (thepositions are shifted). This shift may be adjusted as preprocessing, ormay be adjusted using a motion vector in the inter prediction.

Further, the positions of the pixels of the pixel data groups separatedas described above are typically discrete (at random). Therefore,processing of deblocking filter, sample adaptive offset (SAO), and thelike in encoding may not be correctly operated. Therefore, in theencoding, it may be controlled to prohibit (not to execute) in-loopfilter processing of performing the above-described processing. Forexample, when the above-described packing processing is performed in thepreprocessing, a value of a syntax element related to the in-loop filterprocessing may be set to a value for not executing the in-loop filterprocessing in the parameter set.

<Characteristics of Packing Processing>

Characteristics of the packing method are illustrated in FIG. 14. Forexample, when the components (pixel data groups) are rearranged to beseparated into the color planes, and the color planes are encodedtogether, the parameters become common, and thus the decoding cannot beperformed independently of the components. Further, in this case, thenumber of handlable components is limited to three or less unless theplurality of pictures or slices is rearranged. In the case of thismethod, a decoder in the specification of version 1 of the HEVC standardcan handle decoding. Further, when the color planes are encodedindependently of each other, the number of handlable components islimited to three or less.

In the case of a method of performing encoding in the 4:0:0 format,using the partial regions of tiles or slices, an arbitrary number ofcomponents can be handled. In the case of a method of rearranging aplurality of hierarchies (layers), an arbitrary number of components canbe handled as long as the number is the limited number of hierarchies orless (64 hierarchies or less, for example). Further, by performinginter-layer prediction in the encoding, the encoding efficiency can beimproved using correlation among the components. Whether the encodingefficiency is improved by performing the inter-layer prediction dependson various conditions such as the degree of correlation among thecomponents, and the like. For example, when the correlation with anothercomponent is low, like the depth data, independent encoding may bedesired.

Further, for example, by arranging an image (or a thumbnail image of theimage) after the development processing on the base layer, the decoderin the specification of version 1 of the HEVC standard can decode theimage (or the thumbnail image of the image) after the developmentprocessing.

As the preprocessing of the encoding, the above packing processing isperformed, whereby the encoding efficiency can be more easily improvedin the encoding of the RAW data.

Note that the content of the packing processing may be any content, andare not limited to the above-described content as long as the packingprocessing rearranges the pixel data of the RAW data that is the imagedata before the demosaicing processing is performed, according to thedegree of correlation.

<Providing of Packing Information>

If the encoded data obtained by encoding the RAW data after the packingprocessing is performed is decoded, the RAW data after the packingprocessing can be obtained. That is, to restore the original RAW data,unpacking processing that is inverse processing to the packingprocessing needs to be further performed after the decoding processing.

To perform the unpacking processing for the executed packing processingby a correct method, the packing information that is information relatedto the packing processing, and generated in the packing processing isdesirably provided to the decoding side. Of course, the providing of thepacking information may be omitted, and the packing processing and theunpacking processing may be performed by a predetermined method.However, the processing method is limited. Therefore, specifications ofthe encoding side and the decoding side are limited, and versatility ofthe system is decreased. By transferring the packing information asdescribed above, a decrease in the degree of freedom in the content ofthe packing processing (unpacking processing) can be suppressed, and adecrease in versatility of the system can be suppressed. That is,encoded data encoded by encoders in a wider variety of specificationscan be correctly decoded by decoders in a wider variety ofspecifications.

The method of providing the packing information is arbitrary. Forexample, the packing information can be provided as data different fromthe bit stream of the encoded data.

Further, the packing information can be provided being included in thebit stream of the encoded data. For example, at the encoding side,additional information including the packing information related to thepacking processing of rearranging the pixel data of the RAW data that isthe image data before the demosaicing processing is performed accordingto the degree of correlation may be set, the RAW data subjected to thepacking processing may be encoded, and a bit stream that includes theobtained encoded data and the set additional information may begenerated.

In doing so, it is not necessary to provide a method of providing thepacking information separately from the bit stream. Therefore, transferof the packing information becomes easier. Further, the information canbe put together in one bit stream, and thus management of thetransferred data becomes easy. That is, the decoding side can moreeasily acquire the packing information (can grasp the content of thepacking processing), and the encoded data can be correctly decoded(including the unpacking processing). That is, the encoding efficiencycan be more easily improved in the encoding of the RAW data.

<Addition of Packing Information>

The method of including the packing information into the bit streamdesirably conforms to the encoding method. In doing so, the bit streamcan be decoded by a decoder in a specification conforming to theencoding method, and the unpacking processing can be performed. That is,the bit stream can be more easily and correctly decoded (including theunpacking processing). That is, the encoding efficiency can be moreeasily improved in the encoding of the RAW data.

For example, the parameter set may be set according to the packingprocessing for the RAW data. For example, a flag(general_camera_sensor_image_packed_flag) that indicates whether thecontent of the bit stream is the RAW data may be set in a videoparameter set (VPS), a sequence parameter set (SPS), or the like.

FIG. 15A illustrates an example of syntax thereof. Further, FIG. 15Billustrates an example of semantics thereof. Thegeneral_camera_sensor_image_packed_flag is flag information thatindicates whether the content of the bit stream is encoded data of data(that is, RAW data) of a camera sensor image (RAW image).

Then, as the additional information including the packing information,supplemental enhancement information (SEI) may be provided. For example,as the additional information including the packing information, Colorfilter array packing information SEI (CFAP SEI) may be set.

In that case, for example, existence of the CFAP SEI may be indicatedwhen a value of the general_camera_sensor_image_packed_flag is “1”, andnon-existence of the CFAP SEI may be indicated when the value of thegeneral_camera_sensor_image_packed_flag is “0”. Note that when a decodercannot process the CFAP SEI, the decoder may just ignore the value ofthe general_camera_sensor_image_packed_flag.

FIG. 16 illustrates an example of syntax of the CFAP SEI. FIG. 17illustrates an example of semantics. As illustrated in FIG. 16, in theCFAP SEI, syntax elements such as CFAP_id, CFAP_type,CFAP_component_num, CFAP_component_id[i], CFAP_mapping_info[i],CFAP_bitstream_constraint_indication_flag, andCFAP_no_inloop_filter_used_flag are set.

As illustrated in FIG. 17, CFAP_id is an ID for distinguishingCFAP_SEIs. An arbitrary value can be set. CFAP_id is significant when aplurality of CFAP_SEIs is set to one bit stream. CFAP_type isinformation that indicates a type of the packing processing (a method ofrearranging the pixel data in the packing processing). Examples ofvalues of CFAP_type are illustrated in FIG. 18. In the case of FIG. 18,CFAP_type=0 indicates a method of separating the components into thecolor planes, like the example of FIG. 6. Further, CFAP_type=1 indicatesa method of rearranging the components into the slices, and performingencoding in the YUV400 format, like the example of FIG. 8. Further,CFAP_type=2 indicates a method of rearranging the components into thetiles, and performing encoding in the YUV400 format, like the example ofFIG. 8. Further, CFAP_type=3 indicates a method of rearranging thecomponents into the layers, like the example of FIG. 9.

Note that the value of CFAP_type is arbitrary. For each packing method,a value other than the examples illustrated in FIG. 18 may be allocated.For example, a value other than numerical figures may be allocated.Further, a value may be allocated to CFAP_type about a packing methodother than the packing methods illustrated in FIG. 18. Note that tableinformation for allocating the packing method to the value of CFAP_typeillustrated in FIG. 18 may be defined as an encoding standard inadvance, or may be transmitted to the decoding side, by being includedin the CFAP SEI, the parameter set, or the like. In that case, anarbitrary packing type can be added to the table.

CFAP_component_num is information that indicates the number ofcomponents of the RAW data subjected to the packing processing. A valueof 1 or more is set to CFAP_component_num. For example, in the case ofthe color filters (Bayer filters) in the Bayer array, there are RGBthree colors, and thus the value of CFAP_component_num is set to “3”.Further, for example, in the case of the color filters (Bayer filters)in the Bayer array, and the green (G) is divided into the green (G₀) andthe green (G₁) according to the spatial phases, the components arehandled as RG₀G₁B four components, and thus the value ofCFAP_component_num is set to “4”.

CFAP_component_id[i] is identification information of the components ofthe RAW data subjected to the packing processing. An arbitrary value canbe set to the value thereof as long as the value can identify thecomponents.

CFAP_mapping_info[i] is information that indicates the configuration ofthe RAW data subjected to the packing processing. This value is used incombination with CFAP_type. Details will be given below.

CFAP_bitstream_constraint_indication_flag is information that indicateswhether an encoder performs any sort of bit stream constraint inencoding. When the value is “1”, the value indicates that the encoderhas performed any sort of bit stream constraint, and specific additionalinformation has been transmitted. Further, when the value is “0”, thevalue indicates that there is no bit stream constraint.

CFAP_no_inloop_filter_used_flag is information that indicates whetherthe encoder uses the in-loop filter in encoding. When the value is “1”,the value indicates that an in-loop filter (for example, a deblockingfilter or SAO) is not used in the bit stream. Further, when the value is“0”, the value indicates that there is no such constraint. When thisCFAP_no_inloop_filter_used_flag is not transmitted, the decoding sideconsiders that the value thereof is “0”.

Note that the packing information defined in the CFAP SEI may be anyinformation as long as the information is related to the packingprocessing, and is not limited to the example of the above-describedsyntax elements.

<Setting Example of CFAP SEI>

FIGS. 19A and 19B are diagrams illustrating a setting example of theCFAP SEI. In the example of FIGS. 19A and 19B, as illustrated in FIG.19A, the value of CFAP_type is set to “1”, the value ofCFAP_component_num is set to “3”, the value of CFAP_mapping_info[0] isset to “0”, the value of CFAP_mapping_info[1] is set to “1”, and thevalue of CFAP_mapping_info[2] is set to “2”. In this case, asillustrated in FIG. 19B, the components are divided by slice division.Then, the component (G, for example) of the component number 0 is storedin the slice of the slice number 0, the component (R, for example) ofthe component number 1 is stored in the slice of the slice number 1, andthe component (B, for example) of the component number 2 is stored inthe slice of the slice number 2. Then, the encoding is performed in the4:0:0 format. This can also be grasped from the value ofchroma_format_idc being set to “0” in the bit stream. However, this canbe more easily grasped by reference to the value (“1”) of CFAP_type inmeta data (CFAP SEI).

FIGS. 20A and 20B are diagrams illustrating another setting example ofthe CFAP SEI. In the example of FIGS. 20A and 20B, as illustrated inFIG. 20A, the value of CFAP_type is set to “3”, the value ofCFAP_component_num is set to “3”, the value of CFAP_mapping_info[0] isset to “1”, the value of CFAP_mapping_info[1] is set to “2”, and thevalue of CFAP_mapping_info[2] is set to “3”. In this case, asillustrated in FIG. 20B, the components are divided into layers. Then,the component (G, for example) of the component number 0 is stored inthe layer of the layer number 1, the component (R, for example) of thecomponent number 1 is stored in the layer of the layer number 2, and thecomponent (B, for example) of the component number 2 is stored in thelayer of the layer number 3. Note that no component number is allocatedto the layer of the layer number 0. This indicates that a normal YUVimage (after the development processing) is stored in the layer of thelayer number 0.

FIGS. 21A and 21B are diagrams illustrating still another settingexample of the CFAP SEI. In the example of FIGS. 21A and 21B, thecomponents are rearranged into two frames. Therefore, two CFAP_SEIs areset. As illustrated in FIG. 21A, in CFAP SEI related to the first frame,the value of CFAP_id is set to “0”, the value of CFAP_type is set to“2”, the value of CFAP_component_num is set to “2”, the value ofCFAP_component_id[0] is set to “0”, the value of CFAP_mapping_info[0] isset to “0”, the value of CFAP_component_id[1] is set to “2”, and thevalue of CFAP_mapping_info[1] is set to “1”.

Further, in the CFAP SEI related to the second frame, the value ofCFAP_id is set to “1”, the value of CFAP_type is set to “2”, the valueof CFAP_component_num is set to “2”, the value of CFAP_component_id[0]is set to “1”, the value of CFAP_mapping_info[0] is set to “0”, thevalue of CFAP_component_id[1] is set to “3”, and the value ofCFAP_mapping_info[1] is set to “1”.

In this case, as illustrated in FIG. 21B, the component (G₀, forexample) of the component number 0 is stored in the tile of the tilenumber 0 of the fame of the frame number 0, and the component (R, forexample) of the component number 2 is stored in the tile of the tilenumber 1. Further, the component (G₁, for example) of the componentnumber 1 is stored in the tile of the tile number 0 of the frame of theframe number 1, and the component (B, for example) of the componentnumber 3 is stored in the tile of the tile number 1.

By setting the values of the syntax elements of CFAP_SEI, variouspacking methods can be expressed. That is, the decoding side can moreeasily and correctly perform the unpacking processing by reference toCFAP_SEI.

<Parameter Set>

Further, various syntax elements of various parameter sets can beappropriately set according to the content of the above-describedvarious types of packing processing.

FIG. 22 illustrates a setting example of various syntax elements in acase of separating the components into the color planes, and commonlyencoding YC (the example of FIG. 6). Further, FIG. 23 illustrates asetting example of various syntax elements in a case of separating thecomponents into the color planes, and independently encoding YC (theexample of FIG. 6). Note that FIG. 23 illustrates only sections havingdifferent setting from the example illustrated in FIG. 22. Further, FIG.24 illustrates a setting example of various syntax elements in a case ofseparating the components into the color planes, and performing encodingfor each partial region, such as a slice or a tile (the example of FIG.7). Note that FIG. 24 illustrates only sections having different settingfrom the example illustrated in FIG. 22. As illustrated in FIG. 24,setting of a part of the syntax elements is changed in the pictureparameter set, and slice headers are provided by the number of thepartial regions, whereby encoding/decoding of each such partial regioncan be easily handled.

FIG. 25 illustrates a setting example of various syntax elements in acase of separating the components into the partial regions such asslices or tiles of the luminance (Y), and performing encoding in the4:0:0 format (the example of FIG. 8). Note that FIG. 25 illustrates onlysections having different setting from the example illustrated in FIG.22. Further, FIG. 26 illustrates a setting example of various syntaxelements in a case of separating the components into the hierarchies(layers) (the example of FIG. 9). Note that FIG. 26 illustrates onlysections having different setting from the example illustrated in FIG.22. Further, FIG. 27 illustrates a setting example of various syntaxelements in a case of separating the components into hierarchies(layers), and storing the thumbnail images subjected to the developmentprocessing, in the base layer (the example of FIG. 10). Note that FIG.27 illustrates only sections having different setting from the examplesillustrated in FIGS. 22 and 26.

FIG. 28 illustrates a setting example of various syntax elements in acase of prohibiting the in-loop filter (the example of FIG. 13).

The values of the various syntax elements of the various parameter setsare appropriately set according to the content of the packingprocessing, as described above, so that the encoder can appropriatelyencode the RAW data subjected to the packing processing. Further, thedecoder can more easily and correctly decode the encoded data byreference to the parameter sets. That is, the encoding efficiency can bemore easily improved in the encoding of the RAW data.

<Unpacking Processing>

Further, to correspond to the processing of the encoding side, thedecoding side decodes the encoded data that is the encoded RAW data thatis the image data before the demosaicing processing is performed, andperforms the unpacking processing of returning the pixel data of the RAWdata, which is obtained by the decoding and subjected to the packingprocessing of rearranging the pixel data according to the degree ofcorrelation, to the arrangement before the packing processing isperformed.

Further, in the unpacking processing, the packing information related tothe packing processing may be parsed, the pixel data of the RAW datasubjected to the packing processing may be separated based on the parsedpacking information, and the pixel data separated on a data by databasis, the data having high correlation, may be rearranged to bereturned to the arrangement before the packing processing is performed,based on the parsed packing information.

At that time, the pixel data rearranged on a pixel by pixel basis, towhich the same type of filter is allocated by the packing processing,may be separated, and the pixel data may be rearranged according to thearray of the filters. Further, the pixel data arranged on a pixel bypixel basis, to which the color filter of the same color is allocated bythe packing processing, may be separated, and the pixel data may berearranged according to the array of the color filters. Further, thepixel data rearranged to the components of a predetermined color spaceon a data by data basis, the data having high correlation, may beseparated. Further, the pixel data rearranged in mutually differentpartial regions of one or a plurality of images on a data by data basis,the data having high correlation, may be separated. Further, the pixeldata rearranged in mutually different hierarchies of the hierarchizedimage data on a data by data basis, the data having high correlation,may be separated. Further, the pixel data rearranged in otherhierarchies, except a part of the hierarchies where the image datasubjected to the demosaicing processing is arranged, may be separated.

Further, the encoded data that is encoded components for each partialregion of the image of the RAW data may be decoded for each partialregion in decoding.

In doing as described above, the encoded data of the RAW data subjectedto the packing processing to gather the pixels having high correlationcan be correctly decoded and be subjected to the unpacking processing,by a similar method to the normal case of decoding the encoded data thatis the encoded image data after the demosaicing processing (withoutrequiring special processing for RAW data). That is, decoding (includingthe unpacking processing) can be easily and correctly performed by themethod corresponding to the encoding method associated with the packingprocessing. That is, the encoding efficiency can be more easilyimproved.

<Use of Packing Information>

Further, to correspond to the processing of the encoding side, thedecoding side decodes the encoded data included in the bit stream andbeing the encoded RAW data that is the image data before the demosaicingprocessing is performed, and may extract the packing information fromthe additional information included in the bit stream, the packinginformation being information related to the packing processing, andbeing to be used in the unpacking processing of returning the pixel dataof the RAW data subjected to the packing processing and obtained bydecoding the encoded data to the arrangement before the packingprocessing is performed.

As the packing information, the information that indicates the method ofrearranging the pixel data in the packing processing may be extracted.Further, the information that indicates the number of components of theRAW data subjected to the packing processing may be extracted. Further,the identification information of the components of the RAW datasubjected to the packing processing may be extracted. Further, theinformation that indicates the configuration of the RAW data subjectedto the packing processing may be extracted. Further, the informationthat indicates whether the bit stream constraint has been performed inthe generation of the encoded data may be extracted. Further, theinformation that indicates whether the in-loop filter is used in thegeneration of the encoded data may be extracted.

Note that the packing information may be extracted from the supplementalenhancement information (SEI) included in the bit stream. Further, theunpacking processing may be performed for the RAW data subjected to thepacking processing, which has been obtained by decoding the encodeddata, using the extracted packing information.

The packing information is extracted from the bit stream, and is used inthe unpacking processing, as described above, whereby the decoder canmore easily and appropriately decode the encoded data that is theencoded RAW data subjected to the packing processing, and can performthe unpacking processing. That is, the encoding efficiency can be moreeasily improved in the encoding of the RAW data.

2. Second Embodiment Image Encoding Device

Next, a device and a method thereof that realize the present technologyas described above will be described. FIG. 29 is a diagram illustratingan image encoding device that is one form of an image processingapparatus to which the present technology is applied. An image encodingdevice 100 illustrated in FIG. 29 is a device that more easily andhighly efficiently encodes RAW data that is image data beforedemosaicing processing is performed. As illustrated in FIG. 29, theimage encoding device 100 includes a camera sensor 101, a packing unit102, an image encoding unit 103, and a transmission unit 104.

The camera sensor 101 images an object to generate RAW data byphotoelectrically converting light from the object incident on a pixelregion, and supplies the RAW data to the packing unit 102. Note that anyprocessing unit other than the camera sensor 101 may be employed as longas the processing unit can obtain the RAW data and supply the RAW datato the packing unit 102. For example, an input unit or the like thatacquires the RAW data from an outside may be provided in place of thecamera sensor 101.

The packing unit 102 performs packing processing of rearranging pixeldata according to the degree of correlation, for the supplied RAW data,as described in the first embodiment. Further, the packing unit 102generates packing information related to the packing processing. Thepacking unit 102 supplies the RAW data and the packing informationsubjected to the packing processing to the image encoding unit 103.

The image encoding unit 103 encodes the supplied RAW data after thepacking processing, by a basically similar method to a case of encodingimage data after demosaicing processing, as described in the firstembodiment. Further, the image encoding unit 103 sets a parameter setbased on the obtained packing information and generates additionalinformation. The image encoding unit 103 generates a bit stream thatincludes obtained encoded data and the additional information includingthe packing information. The image encoding unit 103 supplies theobtained bit stream to the transmission unit 104.

The transmission unit 104 transmits the supplied bit stream to adecoding side through a recording medium, a transmission line, and thelike. That is, the transmission unit 104 records the bit stream in therecording medium and transmits the bit stream to the transmission linesuch as a network.

Note that the packing unit 102 and the image encoding unit 103 may beconfigured as one processing unit (RAW data encoding unit 105). That is,for example, this RAW data encoding unit 105 (the packing unit 102 andthe image encoding unit 103) may be configured as one image processingapparatus.

<Packing Unit>

FIG. 30 is a block diagram illustrating a principal configurationexample of the packing unit 102 of FIG. 29. As illustrated in FIG. 30,the packing unit 102 includes a separating unit 111, a rearrangementunit 112, and a packing information generation unit 113.

The separating unit 111 separates pixel data of the supplied RAW data ona data by data basis, the data having high correlation, by a method asdescribed in the first embodiment, for example. The separating unit 111supplies pixel data groups separated on a data by data basis, the datahaving high correlation, to the rearrangement unit 112.

The rearrangement unit 112 rearranges the supplied pixel data groups bya method as described in the first embodiment, for example. Therearrangement unit 112 supplies the RAW data with rearranged pixel datagroups to the packing information generation unit 113.

The packing information generation unit 113 generates the packinginformation related to the packing processing performed for the suppliedRAW data, as described in the first embodiment, for example. The packinginformation generation unit 113 supplies the supplied RAW data after thepacking processing and the generated packing information to the imageencoding unit 103 (FIG. 29).

<Image Encoding Unit>

FIG. 31 is a block diagram illustrating a principal configurationexample of the image encoding unit 103 of FIG. 29. As illustrated inFIG. 31, the image encoding unit 103 includes a setting unit 121 and anencoding unit 122.

The setting unit 121 sets the parameter set and the additionalinformation (for example, CFAP_SEI) that are to be added to the encodeddata of the supplied RAW data after the packing processing based on thesupplied packing information. The setting unit 121 supplies the setparameter set and additional information (for example, CFAP_SEI) to theencoding unit 122 together with the supplied packing information and theRAW data after the packing processing.

The encoding unit 122 encodes the supplied RAW data after the packingprocessing by a basically similar method to a case of encoding imagedata after development processing based on the supplied parameter setand additional information (for example, CFAP_SEI). The encoding unit122 generates the bit stream (also called encoded stream) that includesthe encoded data obtained by the encoding, the supplied parameter setand additional information, and the like, and supplies the bit stream tothe transmission unit 104 (FIG. 29).

<Encoding Unit>

FIG. 32 is a block diagram illustrating a principal configurationexample of the encoding unit 122 of FIG. 31. The encoding method of theencoding unit 122 is arbitrary. For example, the encoding unit 122performs hierarchical image encoding (scalable encoding) for the RAWdata after the packing processing. In FIG. 32, a case in which the RAWdata after the packing processing is made of two hierarchies of a baselayer and an enhancement layer, and the encoding unit 122 performs thehierarchical image encoding (scalable encoding) for the RAW data will bedescribed. As illustrated in FIG. 32, the encoding unit 122 includes abase layer image encoding unit 131, an enhancement layer image encodingunit 132, a multiplexer 133, and a control unit 134.

Data (also called base layer image) of the base layer of the RAW dataafter the packing processing is supplied to the base layer imageencoding unit 131. The base layer image encoding unit 131 encodes thedata of the base layer to generate a base layer image encoded streamthat is a bit stream including the encoded data.

Data (also called enhancement layer image) of the enhancement layer ofthe RAW data after the packing processing is supplied to the enhancementlayer image encoding unit 132. The enhancement layer image encoding unit132 encodes the data of the enhancement layer to generate an enhancementlayer image encoded stream that is a bit stream including the encodeddata.

The multiplexer 133 multiplexes the base layer image encoded streamgenerated in the base layer image encoding unit 131 and the enhancementlayer image encoded stream generated in the enhancement layer imageencoding unit 132 to generate a hierarchical image encoded stream thatis a bit stream including encoded data of respective hierarchies of theRAW data. Further, the multiplexer 133 stores the parameter set andadditional information (for example, CFAP SEI) supplied from the controlunit 134 to the hierarchical image encoded stream. The multiplexer 133transmits the generated hierarchical image encoded stream to thetransmission unit 104 (FIG. 29).

The control unit 134 controls encoding of the respective layers bycontrolling the base layer image encoding unit 131 and the enhancementlayer image encoding unit 132 based on the parameter set and theadditional information (for example, CFAP_SEI) supplied from the settingunit 121 (FIG. 31). Further, the control unit 134 supplies the parameterset and the additional information (for example, CFAP_SEI) to themultiplexer 133.

<Base Layer Image Encoding Unit>

FIG. 33 is a block diagram illustrating a principal configurationexample of the base layer image encoding unit 131 of FIG. 32. Asillustrated in FIG. 33, the base layer image encoding unit 131 includesa screen rearrangement buffer 142, a calculation unit 143, an orthogonaltransform unit 144, a quantization unit 145, a lossless encoding unit146, an accumulation buffer 147, an inverse quantization unit 148, andan inverse orthogonal transform unit 149. Further, the base layer imageencoding unit 131 includes a calculation unit 150, a loop filter 151, aframe memory 152, a selection unit 153, an intra prediction unit 154, aninter prediction unit 155, a predicted image selection unit 156, and arate control unit 157. The processing units (the screen rearrangementbuffer 142 to the rate control unit 157) of the base layer imageencoding unit 131 are controlled by the control unit 134 (FIG. 32) andoperated.

The screen rearrangement buffer 142 stores frames of image data (baselayer image information) of input digital data in an order of display.Further, the screen rearrangement buffer 142 rearranges the image withthe stored frames in the order of display into frames in an order forencoding according to group of picture (GOP), and supplies the imagewith the frames in the rearranged order to the calculation unit 143.Further, the screen rearrangement buffer 142 also supplies the imagewith the frames in the rearranged order to the intra prediction unit 154and the inter prediction unit 155.

The calculation unit 143 subtracts a predicted image supplied from theintra prediction unit 154 or the inter prediction unit 155 through thepredicted image selection unit 156 from the image read from the screenrearrangement buffer 142. For example, in a case of an image for whichintra encoding is performed, the calculation unit 143 subtracts thepredicted image supplied from the intra prediction unit 154 from theimage read from the screen rearrangement buffer 142. Further, forexample, in a case of an image for which inter encoding is performed,the calculation unit 143 subtracts the predicted image supplied from theinter prediction unit 155 from the image read from the screenrearrangement buffer 142. The calculation unit 143 outputs a subtractionresult (difference information) to the orthogonal transform unit 144.

The orthogonal transform unit 144 applies orthogonal transform such asdiscrete cosine transform or Karhunen-Loeve transform to differenceinformation supplied from the calculation unit 143. The orthogonaltransform unit 144 supplies a transform coefficient thereof to thequantization unit 145.

The quantization unit 145 quantizes the transform coefficient suppliedfrom the orthogonal transform unit 144. The quantization unit 145 sets aquantization parameter based on information related to a target value ofa code amount supplied from the rate control unit 157, and performsquantization thereof. The quantization unit 145 supplies the quantizedtransform coefficient to the lossless encoding unit 146.

The lossless encoding unit 146 encodes the transform coefficientquantized in the quantization unit 145 in an arbitrary encoding system.Coefficient data is quantized under control of the rate control unit157. Therefore, this code amount becomes the target value (orapproximate the target value) set by the rate control unit 157.

Further, the lossless encoding unit 146 acquires information thatindicates a mode of intra prediction, and the like from the intraprediction unit 154, and acquires information that indicates a mode ofinter prediction, difference motion vector information, and the likefrom the inter prediction unit 155. Further, the lossless encoding unit146 appropriately generates a network abstraction layer (NAL) unit ofthe base layer, which includes a sequence parameter set (SPS), a pictureparameter set (PPS), and the like, and encodes the NAL unit in anarbitrary method.

The lossless encoding unit 146 supplies these various types ofinformation to the accumulation buffer 147 together with encoded datathat is encoded quantized transform coefficient supplied from thequantization unit 145, and accumulates the information therein.

Examples of an encoding system of the lossless encoding unit 146 includevariable-length encoding and arithmetic encoding. An example of thevariable-length encoding includes context-adaptive variable lengthcoding (CAVLC) determined in the H. 264/AVC system. An example of thearithmetic encoding includes context-adaptive binary arithmetic coding(CABAC).

The accumulation buffer 147 temporarily stores the encoded data and thelike supplied from the lossless encoding unit 146. The accumulationbuffer 147 outputs the stored data to the multiplexer 133 (FIG. 32) asthe bit stream (also called base layer image encoded stream) thatincludes the encoded data of the base layer and the like, atpredetermined timing. That is, the accumulation buffer 147 is also atransmission unit that transmits the base layer image encoded stream.

Further, the transform coefficient quantized in the quantization unit145 is also supplied to the inverse quantization unit 148. The inversequantization unit 148 inversely quantizes the quantized transformcoefficient by a method corresponding to the quantization by thequantization unit 145. The inverse quantization unit 148 supplies theobtained transform coefficient to the inverse orthogonal transform unit149.

The inverse orthogonal transform unit 149 inversely orthogonallytransforms the transform coefficient supplied from the inversequantization unit 148 by a method corresponding to the orthogonaltransform processing by the orthogonal transform unit 144. An inverselyorthogonally transformed output (restored difference information) issupplied to the calculation unit 150.

The calculation unit 150 adds the predicted image from the intraprediction unit 154 or the inter prediction unit 155 through predictedimage selection unit 156 to restored difference information that is theinverse orthogonal transform result supplied from the inverse orthogonaltransform unit 149 to obtain a locally decoded image (decoded image).The decoded image is supplied to the loop filter 151 or the frame memory152.

The loop filter 151 includes a deblocking filter, an adaptive loopfilter, and the like, and appropriately performs filter processing for areconfigured image supplied from the calculation unit 150. For example,the loop filter 151 removes block distortion of the reconfigured imageby performing deblocking filter processing for the reconfigured image.Further, for example, the loop filter 151 performs image qualityimprovement by performing loop filter processing using a Wiener filterfor a deblocking filter processing result (the reconfigured image fromwhich the block distortion has been removed). The loop filter 151supplies a filter processing result (hereinafter, called decoded image)to the frame memory 152.

Note that the loop filter 151 may further perform another arbitraryfilter processing for the reconfigured image. Further, the loop filter151 can supply information such as a filter coefficient used in thefilter processing to the lossless encoding unit 146 and cause thelossless encoding unit 146 to encode the information, as needed.

The frame memory 152 stores the supplied decoded image, and supplies thestored decoded image to the selection unit 153 as a reference image atpredetermined timing.

To be specific, the frame memory 152 stores the reconfigured imagesupplied from the calculation unit 150, and the decoded image suppliedfrom the loop filter 151. The frame memory 152 supplies the storedreconfigured image to the intra prediction unit 154 through theselection unit 153 at predetermined timing or based on a request from anoutside such as the intra prediction unit 154 or the like. Further, theframe memory 152 supplies the stored decoded image to the interprediction unit 155 through the selection unit 153 at predeterminedtiming or based on a request from an outside such as the interprediction unit 155 or the like.

The selection unit 153 selects a supply destination of the referenceimage supplied from the frame memory 152. For example, in the case ofintra prediction, the selection unit 153 supplies the reference imagesupplied from the frame memory 152 to the intra prediction unit 154.Further, for example, in the case of inter prediction, the selectionunit 153 supplies the reference image supplied from the frame memory 152to the inter prediction unit 155.

The intra prediction unit 154 performs prediction processing about acurrent picture that is an image of a current frame to generate apredicted image. The intra prediction unit 154 performs the predictionprocessing on a predetermined block by block basis (in units of block).That is, the intra prediction unit 154 generates a predicted image of acurrent block that is an object to be processed, of the current picture.At that time, the intra prediction unit 154 performs the predictionprocessing (in-screen prediction (also called intra prediction)) usingthe reconfigured image supplied from the frame memory 152 through theselection unit 153 as the reference image. That is, the intra predictionunit 154 generates the predicted image using a peripheral pixel value ofthe current block included in the reconfigured image. The peripheralpixel value used for the intra prediction is a pixel value of a pixel ofthe current picture, the pixel having been processed in the past. As theintra prediction (that is, a way of generating the predicted image), aplurality of methods (also called intra prediction modes) is prepared inadvance as candidates. The intra prediction unit 154 performs the intraprediction in the plurality of intra prediction modes prepared inadvance.

The intra prediction unit 154 generates the predicted image in all theintra prediction modes as the candidates, evaluates cost function valuesof the respective predicted images using the input image supplied fromthe screen rearrangement buffer 142, and selects an optimum mode. Whenhaving selected the optimum intra prediction mode, the intra predictionunit 154 supplies the predicted image generated in the optimum mode tothe predicted image selection unit 156.

Further, as described above, the intra prediction unit 154 appropriatelysupplies intra prediction mode information indicating the employed intraprediction mode, and the like to the lossless encoding unit 146, andcauses the lossless encoding unit 146 to encode the information.

The inter prediction unit 155 performs prediction processing about thecurrent picture to generate a predicted image. The inter prediction unit155 performs the prediction processing on a predetermined block by blockbasis (in units of block). That is, the inter prediction unit 155generates a predicted image of a current block that is an object to beprocessed, of the current picture. At that time, the inter predictionunit 155 performs the prediction processing using image data of theinput image supplied from the screen rearrangement buffer 142 and imagedata of a decoded image supplied from the frame memory 152 as thereference image. This decoded image is an image of a frame processedprior to the current picture (another picture that is not the currentpicture). That is, the inter prediction unit 155 performs predictionprocessing of generating a predicted image using the image of anotherpicture (inter-screen prediction (also called inter prediction)).

This inter prediction is made of motion prediction and motioncompensation. To be specific, the inter prediction unit 155 performs themotion prediction about the current block using the input image and thereference image, and detects a motion vector. The inter prediction unit155 then performs the motion compensation processing according to thedetected motion vector using the reference image, and generates apredicted image (inter predicted image information) of the currentblock. As this inter prediction (that is, a way of generating thepredicted image), a plurality of methods (also called inter predictionmodes) is prepared in advance as candidates. The inter prediction unit155 performs the inter prediction in the plurality of inter predictionmodes prepared in advance.

The inter prediction unit 155 generates the predicted image in all theinter prediction modes as the candidates. The inter prediction unit 155evaluates cost function values of the respective predicted images usingthe input image supplied from the screen rearrangement buffer 142, theinformation of the generated difference motion vector, and the like, andselects an optimum mode. When having selected the optimum interprediction mode, the inter prediction unit 155 supplies the predictedimage generated in the optimum mode to the predicted image selectionunit 156.

The inter prediction unit 155 supplies information indicating theemployed inter prediction mode, information necessary to performprocessing in the inter prediction mode in decoding the encoded data,and the like to the lossless encoding unit 146, and causes the losslessencoding unit 146 to perform encoding. As the necessary information, forexample, the information of the generated difference motion vector, anda flag that indicates an index of the prediction motion vector as theprediction motion vector information.

The predicted image selection unit 156 selects a supply source of thepredicted image to be supplied to the calculation unit 143 and thecalculation unit 150. For example, in the case of intra encoding, thepredicted image selection unit 156 selects the intra prediction unit 154as the supply source of the predicted image, and supplies the predictedimage supplied from the intra prediction unit 154 to the calculationunit 143 and the calculation unit 150. Further, for example, in the caseof inter encoding, the predicted image selection unit 156 selects theinter prediction unit 155 as the supply source of the predicted image,and supplies the predicted image supplied from the inter prediction unit155 to the calculation unit 143 and the calculation unit 150.

The rate control unit 157 controls a rate of a quantization operation ofthe quantization unit 145 so as not to generate overflow or underflowbased on the code amount of the encoded data accumulated in theaccumulation buffer 147.

Further, the frame memory 152 supplies the information of the storedbase layer decoded image and the like to the enhancement layer imageencoding unit 132 (FIG. 32), as needed. Note that the frame memory 152may acquire and store the information such as the enhancement layerdecoded image and the like supplied from the enhancement layer imageencoding unit 132. This information is supplied to the intrapredictionunit 154 or the inter prediction unit 155 through the selection unit 153as the reference image and the like, as needed.

<Enhancement Layer Image Encoding Unit>

FIG. 34 is a block diagram illustrating a principal configurationexample of the enhancement layer image encoding unit 132 of FIG. 32. Asillustrated in FIG. 34, the enhancement layer image encoding unit 132has a configuration basically similar to the base layer image encodingunit 131 of FIG. 33.

That is, as illustrated in FIG. 34, the enhancement layer image encodingunit 132 includes a screen rearrangement buffer 162, a calculation unit163, an orthogonal transform unit 164, a quantization unit 165, alossless encoding unit 166, an accumulation buffer 167, an inversequantization unit 168, and an inverse orthogonal transform unit 169.Further, the enhancement layer image encoding unit 132 includes acalculation unit 170, a loop filter 171, a frame memory 172, a selectionunit 173, an intra prediction unit 174, an inter prediction unit 175, apredicted image selection unit 176, and a rate control unit 177.

The screen rearrangement buffer 162 to the rate control unit 177correspond to the screen rearrangement buffer 142 to the rate controlunit 157 of FIG. 33, and perform similar processing to the correspondingprocessing units. Note that the units of the enhancement layer imageencoding unit 132 perform the processing about encoding of enhancementlayer image information instead of the base layer. Therefore, thedescription of the screen rearrangement buffer 142 to the rate controlunit 157 of FIG. 33 can be applied as description of the processing ofthe screen rearrangement buffer 162 to the rate control unit 177. Inthat case, data to be processed needs to be data of the enhancementlayer, instead of the data of the base layer. Further, processing unitsof an input source and an output destination of the data need to beappropriately replaced with and read as corresponding processing unitsin the screen rearrangement buffer 162 to the rate control unit 177.

Further, the frame memory 172 acquires and stores the information suchas the base layer decoded image and the like supplied from the baselayer image encoding unit 131. This information is supplied to the intraprediction unit 174 or the inter prediction unit 175 through theselection unit 173 as the reference image and the like, as needed. Notethat the frame memory 172 may supply the stored enhancement layerdecoded image to the base layer image encoding unit 131 (FIG. 32), asneeded.

With the above configuration, the image encoding device 100 can moreeasily improve the encoding efficiency.

<Flow of RAW Image Encoding Processing>

Next, a flow of each processing executed by the image encoding device100 will be described. First, an example of a flow of RAW image encodingprocessing will be described by reference to the flowchart of FIG. 35.

In step S101, when the RAW image encoding processing is started, thecamera sensor 101 (FIG. 29) of the image encoding device 100 acquiresthe RAW data by imaging an object or the like. In step S102, the packingunit 102 packs the RAW data acquired in step S101, as described in thefirst embodiment. Details of packing processing will be described below.

In step S103, the image encoding unit 103 encodes the packed RAW data bythe processing of step S102. In step S104, the transmission unit 104transmits a bit stream (encoded stream) including encoded data andpacking information of the packed RAW data generated by the processingof step S103 to the decoding side through an arbitrary recording mediumand a transmission medium.

When the processing of step S104 is terminated, the RAW image encodingprocessing is terminated.

<Flow of Packing Processing>

Next, an example of a flow of the packing processing executed in stepS102 (FIG. 35) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.36.

In step S111, when the packing processing is started, the separatingunit 111 separates pixel data of the RAW image based on the correlation,as described in the first embodiment. In step S112, the rearrangementunit 112 rearranges the separated pixel data groups, as described in thefirst embodiment. In step S113, the packing information generation unit113 generates the packing information described in the first embodimentabout the above packing processing. When the processing of step S113 isterminated, the packing processing is terminated and the processing isreturned to FIG. 35.

<Flow of Image Encoding Processing>

Next, an example of a flow of the image encoding processing executed instep S103 (FIG. 35) will be described with reference to the flowchart ofFIG. 37.

When the image encoding processing is started, the setting unit 121(FIG. 31) sets the various parameter sets, the CFAP SEI, and the like,as described in the first embodiment, based on the packing informationgenerated in step S113.

In step S122, the encoding unit 122 encodes the packed image data, asdescribed in the first embodiment, using the parameter sets and the likeset in step S121. Details of the encoding will be described below.

When the processing of step S122 is terminated, the image encodingprocessing is terminated, and the processing is returned to FIG. 35.

<Flow of Encoding Processing>

Next, an example of a flow of the encoding processing executed in stepS122 (FIG. 37) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.38.

In step S131, when the encoding processing is started, the control unit134 controls the units from the base layer image encoding unit 131 tothe multiplexer 133 based on the parameter sets and the like.

In step S132, the base layer image encoding unit 131 encodes the baselayer of the packed RAW data. In step S133, the enhancement layer imageencoding unit 132 encodes the enhancement layer of the packed RAW data.

In step S134, the multiplexer 133 multiplexes the base layer imageencoded stream generated in step S132, and the enhancement layer imageencoded stream generated in step S133 (that is, the bit streams of therespective layers), and generates the hierarchical image encoded streamof one system. Note that the multiplexer 133 includes the additionalinformation such as various parameter sets and CFAP SEI, as needed inthe hierarchical image encoded stream. The multiplexer 133 outputs andtransmits the hierarchical image encoded stream to the decoding side.

When the processing of step S134 is terminated, the encoding processingis terminated, and the processing is returned to FIG. 37. The encodingunit 122 repeatedly executes such encoding processing for each picture.Note that processing that is not necessary to perform on a picture bypicture basis is appropriately omitted.

<Flow of Base Layer Encoding Processing>

Next, an example of a flow of base layer encoding processing executed bythe base layer image encoding unit 131 in step S132 of FIG. 38 will bedescribed by reference to the flowchart of FIG. 39.

In step S141, when the base layer encoding processing is started, thescreen rearrangement buffer 142 of the base layer image encoding unit131 stores images of frames (pictures) of an input moving image in anorder of display, and performs rearrangement from the order of displayof the pictures to an order of encoding.

In step S142, the intra prediction unit 154 performs intra predictionprocessing in the intra prediction mode.

In step S143, the inter prediction unit 155 performs inter predictionprocessing of performing motion prediction, motion compensation, and thelike in the inter prediction mode.

In step S144, the predicted image selection unit 156 selects a predictedimage based on the cost function value and the like. That is, thepredicted image selection unit 156 selects either the predicted imagegenerated by the intra prediction of step S142 or the predicted imagegenerated by the inter prediction of step S143.

In step S145, the calculation unit 143 calculates a difference betweenthe input image in a frame order rearranged by the processing of stepS141, and the predicted image selected by the processing of step S144.That is, the calculation unit 143 generates image data of a differenceimage between the input image and the predicted image. The image data ofthe difference image obtained as described above is decreased in a dataamount, compared with original image data. Therefore, the data amountcan be compressed, compared with a case of encoding the image as it is.

In step S146, the orthogonal transform unit 144 orthogonally transformsthe image data of the difference image generated by the processing ofstep S145.

In step S147, the quantization unit 145 quantizes an orthogonaltransform coefficient obtained by the processing of step S146, using thequantization parameter calculated by the rate control unit 157.

In step S148, the inverse quantization unit 148 inversely quantizes thecoefficient quantized and generated by the processing of step S147 (thecoefficient may be also referred to as quantized coefficient) with acharacteristic corresponding to a characteristic of the quantizationunit 145.

In step S149, the inverse orthogonal transform unit 149 inverselyorthogonally transforms the orthogonal transform coefficient obtained bythe processing of step S148.

In step S150, the calculation unit 150 generates image data of areconfigured image by adding the predicted image selected by theprocessing of step S144 to the difference image restored by theprocessing of step S149.

In step S151, the loop filter 151 performs the loop filter processingfor the image data of the reconfigured image generated by the processingof step S150. Accordingly, block distortion and the like of thereconfigured image are removed.

In step S152, the frame memory 152 stores data of the decoded image(base layer decoded image) obtained by the processing of step S151 andthe reconfigured image obtained by the processing of step S150.

In step S153, the lossless encoding unit 146 encodes the quantizedcoefficient obtained by the processing of step S147. That is, losslessencoding such as variable-length encoding and arithmetic encoding isperformed for the data corresponding to the difference image.

Further, at this time the lossless encoding unit 146 encodes informationrelated to the prediction mode of the predicted image selected by theprocessing of step S144, and adds the encoded information to the encodeddata obtained by encoding the difference image. That is, the losslessencoding unit 146 also encodes optimum intra predictionmode informationsupplied from the intra prediction unit 154, or information according tothe optimum inter prediction mode supplied from the inter predictionunit 155, and adds the encoded information to the encoded data.

In step S154, the accumulation buffer 147 accumulates the encoded dataand the like obtained by the processing of step S153. The encoded dataand the like accumulated in the accumulation buffer 147 areappropriately read as abase layer image encoded stream, and the baselayer image encoded stream is supplied to the multiplexer 133 and ismultiplexed with the enhancement layer image encoded stream, and is thentransmitted to the decoding side through a transmission path and arecording medium.

In step S155, the rate control unit 157 controls the rate of thequantization operation of the quantization unit 145 so as not togenerate overflow or underflow, based on a code amount (a generated codeamount) of the encoded data and the like accumulated in the accumulationbuffer 147 by the processing of step S154. Further, the rate controlunit 157 supplies information related to the quantization parameter tothe quantization unit 145.

In step S156, the frame memory 152 supplies information of the baselayer including the base layer decoded image and the like to enhancementlayer encoding processing.

When the processing of step S156 is terminated, the base layer encodingprocessing is terminated and the processing is returned to FIG. 38.

<Flow of Enhancement Layer Encoding Processing>

Next, an example of a flow of the enhancement layer encoding processingexecuted by the enhancement layer image encoding unit 132 in step S133of FIG. 38 will be described by reference to the flowchart of FIG. 40.

In step S161, when the enhancement layer encoding processing is started,the frame memory 172 acquires and stores the information of the baselayer including the base layer decoded image and the like supplied fromthe base layer image encoding processing by the processing of step S156(FIG. 39).

Processing from steps S162 to S176 corresponds to the processing fromsteps S141 to S155 of the base layer encoding processing (FIG. 39), andis basically similarly executed to the corresponding processing.However, while the processing of the base layer encoding processing hasbeen performed for the base layer, the processing of this enhancementlayer encoding processing is performed for an enhancement layer.

When the processing of step S176 is terminated, the enhancement layerencoding processing is terminated, and the processing is returned toFIG. 38.

By execution of the processing as described above, the image encodingdevice 100 can more easily improve the encoding efficiency in theencoding of the RAW data.

Note that, in the above description, a case in which the image encodingdevice 100 encodes the two-hierarchy (two-layer) RAW data of the baselayer and the enhancement layer subjected to the packing processing hasbeen described. However, the number of hierarchies (the number oflayers) of the RAW data encoded by the image encoding device 100 isarbitrary. That is, the encoding unit 122 of the image encoding device100 may just have encoding units of the number of hierarchies (thenumber of layers) of the RAW data.

For example, when encoding RAW data of one hierarchy (only a baselayer), the image encoding device 100 may just encode only the baselayer. Therefore, the enhancement layer image encoding unit 132 can beomitted in the encoding unit 122.

Further, for example, when encoding RAW data of three hierarchies (threelayers), the encoding unit 122 may include one base layer image encodingunit 131 and two enhancement layer image encoding units 132, and thebase layer image encoding unit 131 may encode the base layer and the twoenhancement layer image encoding units 132 may encode mutually differentenhancement layers.

That is, when encoding RAW data of N hierarchies (N layers), forexample, the encoding unit 122 may just include one base layer imageencoding unit 131 and (N−1) enhancement layer image encoding units 132,and the base layer image encoding unit 131 may just encode the baselayer and the (N−1) enhancement layer image encoding units 132 may justencode mutually different layers of the (N−1) enhancement layers.

3. Third Embodiment Image Decoding Device

Next, decoding of encoded data encoded as described above will bedescribed. FIG. 41 is a block diagram illustrating a principalconfiguration example of an image decoding device corresponding to animage encoding device 100, the image decoding device being one form ofan image processing apparatus to which the present technology isapplied. An image decoding device 200 illustrated in FIG. 41 decodesencoded data generated by the image encoding device 100, by a decodingmethod corresponding to the encoding method.

As illustrated in FIG. 41, the image decoding device 200 includes areceiving unit 201, an image decoding unit 202, an unpacking unit 203,and a development processing unit 204.

The receiving unit 201 acquires a hierarchical image encoded streamtransmitted from an encoding side. This hierarchical image encodedstream is a bit stream that includes encoded data that is encoded RAWdata subjected to packing processing of rearranging each pixel data ofthe RAW data that is image data before demosaicing processing isperformed according to the degree of correlation, SEI including packinginformation that is information related to the packing processing, aparameter set, and the like, as described in the first and secondembodiments. The receiving unit 201 supplies the received hierarchicalimage encoded stream to the image decoding unit 202.

The image decoding unit 202 decodes the supplied hierarchical imageencoded stream by a basically similar method to a case of decoding anencoded stream that is encoded image data after demosaicing processing,as described in the first embodiment. Note that, as described below, theimage decoding unit 202 extracts the packing information included in thehierarchical image encoded stream. The image decoding unit 202 suppliesthe RAW data subjected to the packing processing, which has beenobtained by decoding and the extracted packing information to theunpacking unit 203.

The unpacking unit 203 performs unpacking processing of returning thepixel data to an arrangement before the packing processing is performed,for the RAW data subjected to the packing processing, based on thepacking information, as described in the first embodiment. Accordingly,the RAW data before the packing processing is performed is restored. Theunpacking unit 203 supplies the obtained RAW data to the developmentprocessing unit 204.

The development processing unit 204 performs development processing suchas demosaicing and automatic retouching, for the supplied RAW data, asdescribed in the first embodiment. The development processing unit 204outputs developed image data outside the image decoding device 200. Animage of the image data is displayed on a monitor, predetermined imageprocessing is applied to the image data, and the image data is encoded,recorded in a recording medium, and transmitted to another devicethrough a transmission medium, for example.

Note that the image decoding unit 202 and the unpacking unit 203 may beconfigured as one processing unit (RAW data decoding unit 205). That is,for example, this RAW data decoding unit 205 (the image decoding unit202 and the unpacking unit 203) may be configured as one imageprocessing apparatus.

<Image Decoding Unit>

FIG. 42 is a block diagram illustrating a principal configurationexample of the image decoding unit 202 of the FIG. 41. As illustrated inFIG. 42, the image decoding unit 202 includes a decoding unit 211 and apacking information extraction unit 212.

The decoding unit 211 performs decoding processing corresponding toencoding processing performed by an encoding unit 122, for the suppliedhierarchical image encoded stream. As described in the first embodiment,the decoding unit 211 decodes the hierarchical image encoded stream by abasically similar method to a case of decoding encoded data that isencoded image data after the development processing to obtain the RAWdata after the packing processing. The decoding unit 211 supplies theobtained RAW data after the packing processing, a parameter set and SEI(for example, CFAP SEI) of the encoded data, and the like to the packinginformation extraction unit 212.

The packing information extraction unit 212 extracts the packinginformation to be used in the unpacking processing from the supplieddata (for example, the CFAP SEI). The hierarchical image encoded streamincludes various types of packing information, as described in the firstembodiment, for example. The packing information extraction unit 212extracts the packing information, and supplies the packing informationto the unpacking unit 203 together with the RAW rata after the packingprocessing.

<Decoding Unit>

FIG. 43 is a block diagram illustrating a principal configurationexample of the decoding unit 211 of FIG. 42. The decoding method of thedecoding unit 211 is arbitrary as long as the method corresponds to theencoding method of the encoding unit 122. For example, the decoding unit211 performs hierarchical image decoding (scalable decoding) for theencoded data that is the RAW data after the packing processing, whichhas been subjected to hierarchical image encoding (scalable encoding).In FIG. 43, a case in which the decoding unit 211 performs thehierarchical image decoding (scalable decoding) for the encoded datathat is the RAW data subjected to hierarchical image encoding (scalableencoding), the RAW data being made of two hierarchies of a base layerand an enhancement layer, and after the packing processing, will bedescribed. As illustrated in FIG. 43, the decoding unit 211 includes ademultiplexer 221, abase layer image decoding unit 222, an enhancementlayer image decoding unit 223, and a control unit 224.

The demultiplexer 221 receives the hierarchical image encoded streamtransmitted from an encoding side, and demultiplexes the hierarchicalimage encoded stream to extract a base layer image encoded stream and anenhancement layer image encoded stream. Further, the demultiplexer 221extracts the information such as the parameter set and the SEI (forexample, CFAP SEI) included in the hierarchical image encoded stream,and supplies the information to the control unit 224.

The base layer image decoding unit 222 decodes the base layer imageencoded stream extracted by the demultiplexer 221 to obtain data (alsocalled base layer image) of the base layer of the RAW data after thepacking processing. The base layer image decoding unit 222 supplies theobtained base layer image to the packing information extraction unit 212(FIG. 42).

The enhancement layer image decoding unit 223 decodes the enhancementlayer image encoded stream extracted by the demultiplexer 221 to obtaindata (also called enhancement layer image) of the enhancement layer ofthe RAW data after the packing processing. The enhancement layer imagedecoding unit 223 supplies the obtained enhancement layer image to thepacking information extraction unit 212 (FIG. 42).

The control unit 224 controls the base layer image decoding unit 222 andthe enhancement layer image decoding unit 223 (controls the decoding ofthe respective layers) based on the information such as the parameterset supplied from the demultiplexer 221. The control unit 224 suppliesthe information such as the parameter set supplied from thedemultiplexer 221 to the packing information extraction unit 212 (FIG.42).

<Base Layer Image Decoding Unit>

FIG. 44 is a block diagram illustrating a principal configurationexample of the base layer image decoding unit 222 of FIG. 43. Asillustrated in FIG. 44, the base layer image decoding unit 222 includesan accumulation buffer 231, a lossless decoding unit 232, an inversequantization unit 233, an inverse orthogonal transform unit 234, acalculation unit 235, a loop filter 236, and a screen rearrangementbuffer 237. Further, the base layer image decoding unit 222 includes aframe memory 239, a selection unit 240, an intra prediction unit 241, aninter prediction unit 242, and a predicted image selection unit 243.

The accumulation buffer 231 is also a receiving unit that receives thetransmitted encoded data (the base layer image encoded stream suppliedfrom the demultiplexer 221). The accumulation buffer 231 receives thetransmitted encoded data, accumulates the encoded data, and supplies theencoded data to the lossless decoding unit 232 at predetermined timing.Information necessary for decoding, such as prediction mode information,is added to the encoded data.

The lossless decoding unit 232 decodes the information encoded by thelossless encoding unit 146 and supplied from the accumulation buffer231, in a decoding system corresponding to the encoding system. Thelossless decoding unit 232 supplies a quantized coefficient of adifference image obtained by decoding to the inverse quantization unit233.

Further, the lossless decoding unit 232 determines whether an intraprediction mode has been selected or an inter prediction mode has beenselected as an optimum prediction mode, and supplies information relatedto the optimum prediction mode to the mode determined as being selected,of the intra prediction unit 241 and the inter prediction unit 242. Thatis, for example, when the intra prediction mode has been selected as theoptimum prediction mode at the encoding side, the information (intraprediction mode information) related to the optimum prediction mode issupplied to the intra prediction unit 241. Further, for example, whenthe inter prediction mode has been selected as the optimum predictionmode at the encoding side, the information (inter prediction modeinformation) related to the optimum prediction mode is supplied to theinter prediction unit 242.

Further, the lossless decoding unit 232 extracts information necessaryfor inverse quantization, such as a quantization matrix and aquantization parameter from the encoded data, and supplies theinformation to the inverse quantization unit 233.

The inverse quantization unit 233 inversely quantizes quantizedcoefficient data obtained by decoding by the lossless decoding unit 232,in a system corresponding to the quantization system of the quantizationunit 145. Note that the inverse quantization unit 233 is a processingunit similar to the inverse quantization unit 148. The inversequantization unit 233 supplies the obtained coefficient data (orthogonaltransform coefficient) to the inverse orthogonal transform unit 234.

The inverse orthogonal transform unit 234 inversely orthogonallytransforms the orthogonal transform coefficient supplied from theinverse quantization unit 233, in a system corresponding to theorthogonal transform system of the orthogonal transform unit 144, asneeded. Note that the inverse orthogonal transform unit 234 is aprocessing unit similar to the inverse orthogonal transform unit 149.

Image data of the difference image is restored by the inverse orthogonaltransform processing. The restored image data of the difference imagecorresponds to the image data of the difference image before orthogonaltransform is performed at the encoding side. Hereinafter, the restoredimage data of the different image obtained by the inverse orthogonaltransform processing of the inverse orthogonal transform unit 234 isalso called decoding residual data. The inverse orthogonal transformunit 234 supplies the decoding residual data to the calculation unit235. Further, image data of a predicted image is supplied to thecalculation unit 235 from the intra prediction unit 241 or the interprediction unit 242 through the predicted image selection unit 243.

The calculation unit 235 obtains image data of a reconfigured image thatis an added difference image and predicted image, using the decodingresidual data and the image data of the predicted image. Thisreconfigured image corresponds to input image before a predicted imageis subtracted by a calculation unit 143. The calculation unit 235supplies the reconfigured image to the loop filter 236.

The loop filter 236 appropriately apply loop filter processing includingdeblocking filter processing, adaptive loop filter processing, and thelike to the supplied reconfigured image to generate a decoded image. Forexample, the loop filter 236 removes block distortion by performingdeblocking filter processing for the reconfigured image. Further, forexample, the loop filter 236 performs image quality improvement for adeblocking filter processing result (the reconfigured image from whichthe block distortion has been removed) by performing the loop filterprocessing using a Wiener filter.

Types of the filter processing performed by the loop filter 236 arearbitrary, and filter processing other than the above processing may beperformed. Further, the loop filter 236 may perform the filterprocessing using a filter coefficient used in filter processingperformed in encoding and supplied from the encoding side. Further, theloop filter 236 may omit such filter processing and output the inputdata without performing the filter processing.

The loop filter 236 supplies the decoded image (or the reconfiguredimage) that is a filter processing result to the screen rearrangementbuffer 237 and the frame memory 239.

The screen rearrangement buffer 237 rearranges an order of frames aboutthe decoded image. That is, the screen rearrangement buffer 237rearranges the image with frames rearranged in an order of encoding bythe screen rearrangement buffer 142 into an original order of display.That is, the screen rearrangement buffer 237 stores the image data ofthe decoded image of frames to be supplied in the order of encoding, inthat order, and reads, in the order of display, the image data of thedecoded image of the frames stored in the order of encoding, andsupplies the read image data to the packing information extraction unit212 (FIG. 42).

The frame memory 239 stores the supplied decoded image, and supplies thestored decoded image to the intra prediction unit 241 and the interprediction unit 242 through the selection unit 240 as a reference imageat predetermined timing or based on a request of an outside such as theintra prediction unit 241 or the inter prediction unit 242.

The selection unit 240 selects a supply destination of the referenceimage supplied from the frame memory 239. For example, in a case ofintra prediction, the selection unit 240 supplies the reference imagesupplied from the frame memory 239 to the intra prediction unit 241.Further, for example, in a case of inter prediction, the selection unit240 supplies the reference image supplied from the frame memory 239 tothe inter prediction unit 242.

The intra prediction mode information and the like are appropriatelysupplied to the intra prediction unit 241 from the lossless decodingunit 232. The intra prediction unit 241 performs intra prediction in theintra prediction mode (optimum intra prediction mode) used in the intraprediction unit 154 to generate a predicted image. At that time, theintra prediction unit 241 performs intra prediction using the image dataof the reconfigured image supplied from the frame memory 239 through theselection unit 240. That is, the intra prediction unit 241 uses thereconfigured image as the reference image (peripheral pixel). The intraprediction unit 241 supplies the generated predicted image to thepredicted image selection unit 243.

Optimum prediction mode information, motion information, and the likeare appropriately supplied to the inter prediction unit 242 from thelossless decoding unit 232. The inter prediction unit 242 performs interprediction using the decoded image (reference image) acquired from theframe memory 239 in the inter prediction mode (optimum inter predictionmode) indicated by the optimum prediction mode information acquired fromthe lossless decoding unit 232 to generate a predicted image.

The predicted image selection unit 243 supplies the predicted imagesupplied from the intra prediction unit 241 or the predicted imagesupplied from the inter prediction unit 242 to the calculation unit 235.In the calculation unit 235, the predicted image and the decodingresidual data (difference image information) from the inverse orthogonaltransform unit 234 are added, and a reconfigured image is obtained.

Further, the frame memory 239 supplies the stored information such as abase layer decoded image and the like to the enhancement layer imagedecoding unit 223 (FIG. 43), as needed. Note that the frame memory 239may acquire and store information such as an enhancement layer decodedimage and the like supplied from the enhancement layer image decodingunit 223. This information is supplied to the intra prediction unit 241or the inter prediction unit 242 through the selection unit 240 as thereference image and the like, as needed.

<Enhancement Layer Image Decoding Unit>

FIG. 45 is a block diagram illustrating a principal configurationexample of the enhancement layer image decoding unit 223 of FIG. 43. Asillustrated in FIG. 43, the enhancement layer image decoding unit 223has a configuration basically similar to the base layer image decodingunit 222 of FIG. 44.

That is, as illustrated in FIG. 45, the enhancement layer image decodingunit 223 includes an accumulation buffer 251, a lossless decoding unit252, an inverse quantization unit 253, an inverse orthogonal transformunit 254, a calculation unit 255, a loop filter 256, and a screenrearrangement buffer 257. Further, the enhancement layer image decodingunit 223 includes a frame memory 259, a selection unit 260, an intraprediction unit 261, an inter prediction unit 262, and a predicted imageselection unit 263.

The accumulation buffer 251 to the predicted image selection unit 263correspond to the accumulation buffer 231 to the predicted imageselection unit 243 of FIG. 44, and perform processing similar tocorresponding processing units. Note that the units of the enhancementlayer image decoding unit 223 perform processing about encoding ofenhancement layer image information, instead of a base layer. Therefore,the description about the accumulation buffer 231 to the predicted imageselection unit 243 of FIG. 44 can be applied as description of theprocessing of the accumulation buffer 251 to the predicted imageselection unit 263. In that case, data to be processed needs to be dataof the enhancement layer, instead of data of the base layer. Further,processing units of an input source and an output destination of dataneed to be appropriately replaced with and read as correspondingprocessing units in the accumulation buffer 251 to the predicted imageselection unit 263.

Further, the frame memory 259 acquires and stores the information suchas the base layer decoded image and the like supplied from the baselayer image decoding unit 222 (FIG. 44). This information is supplied tothe intra prediction unit 261 or the inter prediction unit 262 throughthe selection unit 260 as the reference image and the like, as needed.Note that the frame memory 259 may supply the stored enhancement layerdecoded image to the base layer image decoding unit 222 (FIG. 44), asneeded.

<Unpacking Unit>

FIG. 46 is a block diagram illustrating a principal configurationexample of the unpacking unit 203 of FIG. 41. As illustrated in FIG. 46,the unpacking unit 203 includes a packing information parsing unit 271,a separating unit 272, and a rearrangement unit 273.

The packing information parsing unit 271 parses packing informationsupplied from the image decoding unit 202 (FIG. 41). The packinginformation parsing unit 271 supplies a parsing result to the separatingunit 272 together with the RAW data subjected to the packing processingand supplied from the image decoding unit 202 (FIG. 41).

The separating unit 272 separates the pixel data of the RAW datasubjected to the packing processing based on the parsing result of thepacking information. The separating unit 272 supplies the separatedpixel data to the rearrangement unit 273 together with the parsingresult of the packing information.

The rearrangement unit 273 rearranges and puts the separated pixel databack to the arrangement before the packing processing is performed,based on the parsing result of the packing information. That is, the RAWdata before the packing processing is performed is restored. Therearrangement unit 273 supplies the obtained RAW data to the developmentprocessing unit 204 (FIG. 41).

With the above-described configuration, the image decoding device 200can more easily and accurately perform decoding by a methodcorresponding to the encoding method associated with the packingprocessing, and can perform unpacking processing. That is, the imagedecoding device 200 can more easily improve the encoding efficiency.

<Flow of Image Decoding Processing>

Next, a flow of the processing executed by the image decoding device 200as described above will be described. First, an example of a flow of RAWimage decoding processing will be described with reference to theflowchart of FIG. 47.

In step S201, when the RAW image decoding processing is started, thereceiving unit 201 of the image decoding device 200 receives the bitstream (hierarchical image encoded stream) including the encoded datathat is encoded RAW data subjected to the packing processing andtransmitted from the encoding side.

In step S202, the image decoding unit 202 decodes the hierarchical imageencoded stream received in step S201.

In step S203, the unpacking unit 203 performs the unpacking processingfor the RAW data subjected to the packing processing and obtained by theprocessing of step S202.

In step S204, the development processing unit 204 performs developmentprocessing including demosaicing processing, retouch processing ofcolor, brightness, tone, and the like, and the like for the RAW dataobtained by the processing of step S203. When image data after thedemosaicing processing is obtained, the RAW image decoding processing isterminated.

<Flow of Image Decoding Processing>

Next, an example of a flow of image decoding processing executed in stepS202 of FIG. 47 will be described by reference to the flowchart of FIG.48. In step S211, when the image decoding processing is started, thedecoding unit 211 of the image decoding unit 202 decodes thehierarchical image encoded stream. In step S212, the packing informationextraction unit 212 extracts the packing information from the SEI (forexample, the CFAP SEI) included in the hierarchical image encodedstream. As described in the first embodiment, for example, the CFAP SEIincludes various types of packing information. The packing informationextraction unit 212 extracts the packing information, and provides thepacking information to the unpacking processing. When the packinginformation is included in the parameter set, header information, or thelike, the packing information extraction unit 212 may extract thepacking information therefrom.

When the processing of step S212 is terminated, the image decodingprocessing is terminated, and the processing is returned to FIG. 47.

<Flow of Decoding Processing>

Next, an example of a flow of decoding processing executed in step S211of FIG. 48 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 49.

In step S221, when the decoding processing is started, the demultiplexer221 of the image decoding device 200 demultiplexes the hierarchicalimage encoded stream transmitted from the encoding side on a layer bylayer basis.

In step S222, the control unit 224 controls the decoding of each layerbased on the information such as the parameter set and the SEI extractedin step S221.

In step S223, the base layer image decoding unit 222 decodes the baselayer image encoded stream. In step S224, the enhancement layer imagedecoding unit 223 decodes the enhancement layer image encoded stream.

When the processing of step S224 is terminated, the decoding processingis terminated.

<Flow of Base Layer Decoding Processing>

Next, an example of a flow of base layer decoding processing executed instep S223 of FIG. 47 will be described with reference to the flowchartof FIG. 50.

In step S231, when the base layer decoding processing is started, theaccumulation buffer 231 of the base layer image decoding unit 222accumulates the transmitted base layer encoded stream. In step S232, thelossless decoding unit 232 decodes the base layer encoded streamsupplied from the accumulation buffer 231. That is, image data of an Islice, a P slice, and a B slice encoded by the lossless encoding unit146 is decoded. At this time, the various types of information otherthan the image data, which are included in the bit stream such as theheader information are also decoded.

In step S233, the inverse quantization unit 233 inversely quantizes aquantized coefficient obtained by the processing of step S232.

In step S234, the inverse orthogonal transform unit 234 inverselyorthogonally transforms the coefficient inversely quantized in stepS233.

In step S235, the intra prediction unit 241 and the inter predictionunit 242 perform prediction processing, and generate a predicted image.That is, the prediction processing is performed in a prediction modeapplied in encoding, the prediction mode having been determined in thelossless decoding unit 232. To be specific, for example, when intraprediction is applied in encoding, the intra prediction unit 241generates the predicted image in the intra prediction mode, which hasbeen determined to be optimum in encoding. Further, for example, wheninter prediction is applied in encoding, the inter prediction unit 242generates the predicted image in the inter prediction mode, which hasbeen determined to be optimum in encoding.

In step S236, the calculation unit 235 adds the predicted imagegenerated in step S235 to the difference image obtained by the inverseorthogonal transform in step S234. Accordingly, the image data of thereconfigured image can be obtained.

In step S237, the loop filter 236 appropriately performs the loop filterprocessing including the deblocking filter processing, the adaptive loopfilter processing, and the like for the image data of the reconfiguredimage obtained by the processing of step S236.

In step S238, the screen rearrangement buffer 237 performs rearrangementof frames of a decoded image obtained by the filter processing of stepS237. That is, an order of the frames rearranged in encoding isrearranged to an original order of display. The screen rearrangementbuffer 237 reads the frames of the decoded image in the rearrangedorder, and supplies the frames to the packing information extractionunit 212.

In step S239, the frame memory 239 stores data of the decoded imageobtained by the processing of step S237, the reconfigured image obtainedby the processing of step S226, and the like.

In step S240, the frame memory 239 supplies the stored information ofthe base layer decoded image and the like to enhancement layer decodingprocessing.

When the processing of step S240 is terminated, the base layer decodingprocessing is terminated, and the processing is returned to FIG. 49.

<Flow of Enhancement Layer Decoding Processing>

Next, an example of a flow of the enhancement layer decoding processingexecuted by the enhancement layer image decoding unit 223 in step S224of FIG. 49 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 51.

In step S251, when the enhancement layer decoding processing is started,the frame memory 259 acquires and stores the information of the baselayer including the base layer decoded image and the like supplied fromthe base layer decoding processing by the processing of step S240 (FIG.50).

Processing from steps S252 to S260 correspond to the processing fromsteps S231 to S239 of the base layer decoding processing (FIG. 50), andis basically similarly executed to the corresponding processing.However, while the processing of the base layer decoding processing hasbeen performed for the base layer, the processing of the enhancementlayer decoding processing is performed for the enhancement layer.

When the processing of step S260 is terminated, the enhancement layerdecoding processing is terminated, and the processing is returned toFIG. 49.

<Flow of Unpacking Processing>

Next, an example of a flow of the unpacking processing executed in stepS203 of FIG. 47 will be described with reference to the flowchart ofFIG. 52.

In step S271, when the unpacking processing is started, the packinginformation parsing unit 271 (FIG. 46) of the unpacking unit 203 parsesthe packing information extracted by the processing of step S212 (FIG.48).

In step S272, the separating unit 272 separates pixel data groups of theRAW data subjected to the packing processing and obtained by decodingencoded data by the processing of step S211 (FIG. 48), based on aparsing result of the packing information obtained by the processing ofstep S271.

In step S273, the rearrangement unit 273 rearranges the pixel dataseparated in step S272 to an arrangement before the packing processing,based on the parsing result of the packing information obtained by theprocessing of step S271. By the processing, the RAW data before thepacking processing is restored.

When the processing of step S273 is terminated, the unpacking processingis terminated, and the processing is returned to FIG. 48.

By execution of the processing as described above, the image decodingdevice 200 can easily and correctly decode the encoded data that isencoded RAW data. That is, the image decoding device 200 can more easilyimprove the encoding efficiency in encoding of RAW data.

Note that, in the above description, a case in which the image decodingdevice 200 decodes the encoded data that is two-hierarchy (two-layer)encoded RAW data of the base layer and the enhancement layer subjectedto the packing processing has been described. However, the number ofhierarchies (the number of layers) of the RAW data of the encoded datadecoded by the image decoding device 200 is arbitrary. That is, thedecoding unit 211 of the image decoding device 200 may just include theencoding units of the number of hierarchies (the number of layers) ofthe RAW data.

For example, when decoding the encoded data that is encoded RAW data ofone hierarchy (only the base layer), the image decoding device 200 mayjust encode only the base layer. Therefore, the enhancement layer imagedecoding unit 223 can be omitted in the decoding unit 211 (FIG. 43).

Further, when decoding the encoded data that is encoded RAW data ofthree hierarchies (three layers), the decoding unit 211 may just includeone base layer image decoding unit 222 and two enhancement layer imagedecoding units 223, and the base layer image decoding unit 222 may justencode the base layer and the two enhancement layer image decoding units223 may just encode mutually different enhancement layers.

That is, for example, when decoding the encoded data that is encoded RAWdata of N hierarchies (N layers), the decoding unit 211 may just includeone base layer image decoding unit 222 and (N−1) enhancement layer imagedecoding units 223, and the base layer image decoding unit 222 may justencode the base layer and the (N−1) enhancement layer image decodingunits 223 may just encode mutually different layers of (N−1) enhancementlayers.

As for an application range of the present technology, the presenttechnology can be applied to any image encoding device and imagedecoding device that can encode/decode RAW data.

Further, for example, the present technology can be applied to the imageencoding device and the image decoding device used in receiving theimage information (bit stream) compressed by the orthogonal transformand the motion compensation such as discrete cosine transform, likeMPEG, H. 26x, or the like through satellite broadcasting, a cabletelevision, the Internet, or a network medium such as a mobile phonedevice. Further, the present technology can be applied to the imageencoding device and the image decoding device used in performingprocessing on a storage medium like an optical disk, a magnetic disk, ora flash memory.

4. Fourth Embodiment

Application to Multi-View Image Encoding/Multi-View Image Decoding

The above-described series of processing can be applied to multi-viewimage encoding/multi-view image decoding. FIG. 53 illustrates an exampleof a multi-view image encoding system.

As illustrated in FIG. 53, a multi-view image includes images of aplurality of viewpoints (views). The plurality of views of themulti-view image is made of a base view for which encoding/decoding areperformed using only images of the own view without using information ofother views, and non-base views for which encoding/decoding areperformed using the information of other views. The encoding/decoding ofthe non-base views may use information of the base view or may useinformation of another non-base view.

That is, a reference relationship among the views in the multi-viewimage encoding/decoding is similar to a reference relationship amonglayers in hierarchical image encoding/decoding. Therefore, inencoding/decoding of the multi-view images like FIG. 53, theabove-described method may be applied. In doing so, the encodingefficiency can be more easily improved in encoding of RAW data in thecase of the multi-view images.

<Multi-View Image Encoding Device>

FIG. 54 is a diagram illustrating a multi-view image encoding devicethat performs the above-described multi-view image encoding. Asillustrated in FIG. 54, a multi-view image encoding device 600 includesan encoding unit 601, an encoding unit 602, and a multiplexer 603.

The encoding unit 601 encodes the base view image to generate a baseview image encoded stream. The encoding unit 602 encodes the non-baseview image to generate a non-base view image encoded stream. Themultiplexer 603 multiplexes the base view image encoded stream generatedin the encoding unit 601 and the non-base view image encoded streamgenerated in the encoding unit 602 to generate a multi-view imageencoded stream.

As the encoding unit 122 of the image encoding device 100 described inthe second embodiment, such a multi-view image encoding device 600 maybe applied. In doing so, the image encoding device 100 can encode themulti-view images in which images of respective viewpoints are RAW databy the method described in the first and second embodiments. That is,the image encoding device 100 can more easily improve the encodingefficiency in the encoding of the multi-view images in which the imagesof respective viewpoints are RAW data.

<Multi-View Image Decoding Device>

FIG. 55 is a diagram illustrating a multi-view image decoding devicethat performs the above-described multi-view image decoding. Asillustrated in FIG. 55, a multi-view image decoding device 610 includesa demultiplexer 611, a decoding unit 612, and a decoding unit 613.

The demultiplexer 611 demultiplexes the multi-view image encoded streamthat is the multiplexed base view image encoded stream and non-base viewimage encoded stream to extract the base view image encoded stream andthe non-base view image encoded stream. The decoding unit 612 decodesthe base view image encoded stream extracted by the demultiplexer 611 toobtain the base view image. The decoding unit 613 decodes the non-baseview image encoded stream extracted by the demultiplexer 611 to obtainthe non-base view image.

As the decoding unit 211 of the image decoding device 200 described inthe third embodiment, such a multi-view image decoding device 610 may beapplied. In doing so, the image decoding device 200 can accuratelydecode the encoded data that is the multi-view images in which theimages of respective viewpoints are RAW data encoded by the methoddescribed in the first or second embodiment. That is, the image decodingdevice 200 can more easily improve the encoding efficiency in theencoding of the multi-view images in which the images of respectiveviewpoints are RAW data.

5. Fifth Embodiment Computer

The above-described series of processing can be executed by hardware orcan be executed by software. When the series of processing is executedby software, a program that configures the software is installed in acomputer. Here, the computer includes a computer incorporated in specialhardware, and a general-purpose personal computer that can executevarious functions by installing various programs.

FIG. 56 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example ofhardware of a computer that executes the above-described series ofprocessing with a program.

In a computer 800 illustrated in FIG. 56, a central processing unit(CPU) 801, a read only memory (ROM) 802, a random access memory (RAM)803 are mutually connected through a bus 804.

An input/output interface 810 is also connected to the bus 804. An inputunit 811, an output unit 812, a storage unit 813, a communication unit814, and a drive 815 are connected to the input/output interface 810.

The input unit 811 is made of a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, a touchpanel, an input terminal, and the like. The output unit 812 is made of adisplay, a speaker, an output terminal, and the like. The storage unit813 is made of a hard disk, a RAM disk, a non-volatile memory, and thelike. The communication unit 814 is made of a network interface, forexample. The drive 815 drives a removable medium 821 such as a magneticdisk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductormemory.

In a computer configured as described above, for example, the CPU 801loads the program stored in the storage unit 813 to the RAM 803 throughthe input/output interface 810 and the bus 804, and executes theprogram, thereby to perform the above-described series of processing.Necessary data and the like in executing various types of processing bythe CPU 801 are appropriately stored in the RAM 803.

The program executed by the computer (CPU 801) can be recorded in aremovable medium 821 as a package medium and can be applied, forexample. In that case, the program can be installed to the storage unit813 through the input/output interface 810 by mounting the removablemedium 821 to the drive 815.

Further, the program can be provided through a wired or wirelesstransmission medium such as a local area network, the Internet, ordigital satellite broadcasting. In that case, the program can bereceived by the communication unit 814 and installed to the storage unit813.

In addition, the program can be installed to the ROM 802 or the storageunit 813 in advance.

Note that the program executed by the computer may be a program thatperforms processing in time series along the order described in thepresent specification, or may be a program that performs the processingin parallel or at necessary timing when called.

Further, in the present specification, steps that write the program andare recorded in the recording medium include not only processingperformed in time series along the described order but also processingthat is not necessarily processed in time series but is executedindividually or in parallel.

Further, in the present specification, the system means a group of aplurality of configuration elements (devices, modules (components) andthe like), and whether all the configuration elements are housed in thesame casing is not required. Therefore, both a plurality of deviceshoused in individual casings and connected through the network, and onedevice including a plurality of modules housed in one casing aresystems.

Further, the configuration described as one device (or one processingunit) may be divided and configured as a plurality of devices (orprocessing units). Contrary to the above, the configuration described asa plurality of devices (or processing units) may be collectivelyconfigured as one device (or one processing unit). Further, aconfiguration other than the above-described configurations may be addedto the configurations of the devices (or processing units). Further, apart of the configuration of a certain device (or processing unit) maybe included in the configuration of another device (or anotherprocessing unit) as long as the configuration or the operation as theentire system is substantially the same.

As described above, favorable embodiments of the present disclosure havebeen described in detail with reference to the appended drawings.However, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited tothe examples. It is apparent that a person having ordinary knowledge inthe technical field of the present disclosure can arrive at variouschanged examples or modification examples within the scope of thetechnical idea described in claims, and it is understood that,apparently, these changed examples and modification examples belong tothe technical scope of the present disclosure.

For example, the present technology can have a configuration of cloudcomputing that processes one function by a plurality of devices in ashared manner or in cooperation with one another through the network.

Further, the steps described in the above-described flowcharts can beexecuted by a plurality of devices in a shared manner, in addition tobeing executed by one device.

Further, when a plurality of pieces of processing is included in onestep, the plurality of pieces of processing included in the one step canbe executed by a plurality of devices in a shared manner, in addition tobeing executed by one device.

The image encoding device and the image decoding device according to theembodiments can be applied to various electronic devices such as atransmitter or a receiver in satellite broadcasting, wired broadcastingsuch as a cable TV, distribution on the Internet, or distribution bycellular communication to terminals, a recording device that records animage in media such as an optical disk, a magnetic disk, or a flashmemory, and a reproducing device that reproduces an image from thesestorage media. Hereinafter, four application examples will be described.

6. Sixth Embodiment First Application Example Television Receiver

FIG. 57 illustrates an example of a schematic configuration of atelevision device to which the above-described embodiments are applied.A television device 900 includes an antenna 901, a tuner 902, ademutiplexer 903, a decoder 904, a video signal processing unit 905, adisplay unit 906, an audio signal processing unit 907, a speaker 908, anexternal interface (I/F) unit 909, a control unit 910, a user interface(I/F) unit 911, and a bus 912.

The tuner 902 extracts a signal of a desired channel from a broadcastingsignal received through the antenna 901, and demodulates the extractedsignal. The tuner 902 then outputs an encoded bit stream obtained by thedemodulation to the demutiplexer 903. That is, the tuner 902 functionsas a transmission unit in the television device 900, which receives anencoded stream that is an encoded image.

The demutiplexer 903 separates a video stream and an audio stream of aTV program to be viewed from the encoded bit stream, and outputs theseparated streams to the decoder 904. Further, the demutiplexer 903extracts auxiliary data such as electronic program guide (EPG) and thelike from the encoded bit stream, and supplies the extracted data to thecontrol unit 910. Note that, when the encoded bit stream is scrambled,the demutiplexer 903 may descramble the encoded bit stream.

The decoder 904 decodes the video stream and the audio stream input fromthe demutiplexer 903. The decoder 904 then outputs video data generatedby the decoding processing to the video signal processing unit 905.Further, the decoder 904 outputs audio data generated by the decodingprocessing to the audio signal processing unit 907.

The video signal processing unit 905 reproduces the video data inputfrom the decoder 904, and displays a video in the display unit 906.Further, the video signal processing unit 905 may display an applicationscreen supplied through the network in the display unit 906. Further,the video signal processing unit 905 may perform additional processingsuch as noise removal for the video data according to setting. Further,the video signal processing unit 905 may generate an image of agraphical user interface (GUI) such as a menu, a button, or a cursor,and superimpose the generated image on an output image.

The display unit 906 is driven by a drive signal supplied from the videosignal processing unit 905, and displays the video or the image on avideo screen of a display device (for example, a liquid crystal display,a plasma display, or an organic electro luminescence display (OELD)(organic EL display)).

The audio signal processing unit 907 performs reproduction processingsuch as D/A conversion and amplification for the audio data input fromthe decoder 904, and outputs audio from the speaker 908. Further, theaudio signal processing unit 907 may perform additional processing suchas noise removal for the audio data.

The external interface unit 909 is an interface for connecting thetelevision device 900 and an external device or the network. Forexample, the video stream or the audio stream received through theexternal interface unit 909 may be decoded by the decoder 904. That is,the external interface unit 909 also functions as a transmission unit inthe television device 900, which receives the encoded stream that is anencoded image.

The control unit 910 includes a processor such as a CPU and memoriessuch as a RAM and a ROM. The memory stores a program executed by theCPU, program data, EPG data, data acquired through the network, and thelike. The program stored in the memory is read and executed by the CPUat the time of startup of the television device 900, for example. TheCPU controls the operation of the television device 900 according to anoperation signal input from the user interface unit 911 by executing theprogram.

The user interface unit 911 is connected with the control unit 910. Theuser interface unit 911 includes a button and a switch used by a user tooperate the television device 900, and a receiving unit of a remotecontrol signal. The user interface unit 911 detects an operation by theuser through the configuration elements to generate an operation signal,and outputs the generated operation signal to the control unit 910.

The bus 912 mutually connects the tuner 902, the demutiplexer 903, thedecoder 904, the video signal processing unit 905, the audio signalprocessing unit 907, the external interface unit 909, and the controlunit 910.

In the television device 900 configured as described above, the decoder904 has a function of the image decoding device 200 according to theabove-described embodiment. That is, the decoder 904 can correctlydecode encoded data that is RAW data encoded by the method described inthe first or second embodiment, by the method described in the first orthird embodiment. Therefore, the television device 900 can more easilyimprove the encoding efficiency in the encoding of the RAW data.

Second Application Example Mobile Phone Device

FIG. 58 illustrates an example of a schematic configuration of a mobilephone device to which the above-described embodiments are applied. Amobile phone device 920 includes an antenna 921, a communication unit922, an audio codec 923, a speaker 924, a microphone 925, a camera unit926, an image processing unit 927, a multiplexing/separating unit 928, arecording/reproducing unit 929, a display unit 930, a control unit 931,an operation unit 932, and a bus 933.

The antenna 921 is connected to the communication unit 922. The speaker924 and the microphone 925 are connected to the audio codec 923. Theoperation unit 932 is connected to the control unit 931. The bus 933mutually connects the communication unit 922, the audio codec 923, thecamera unit 926, the image processing unit 927, themultiplexing/separating unit 928, the recording/reproducing unit 929,the display unit 930, and the control unit 931.

The mobile phone device 920 performs operations such astransmission/reception of an audio signal, transmission/reception of anelectronic mail or image data, imaging of an image, and recording ofdata, in various operation modes including a voice call mode, a datacommunication mode, a capturing mode, and a TV phone mode.

In the voice call mode, an analog audio signal generated by themicrophone 925 is supplied to the audio codec 923. The audio codec 923converts the analog audio signal into audio data, and performs A/Dconversion for the converted audio data and compresses the audio data.The audio codec 923 then outputs the compressed audio data to thecommunication unit 922. The communication unit 922 encodes and modulatesthe audio data to generate a transmission signal. The communication unit922 then transmits the generated transmission signal to abase station(not illustrated) through the antenna 921. Further, the communicationunit 922 amplifies a wireless signal received through the antenna 921and performs frequency conversion to acquire a reception signal. Thecommunication unit 922 then demodulates and decodes the reception signalto generate audio data, and outputs the generated audio data to theaudio codec 923. The audio codec 923 expands the audio data and performsD/A conversion to generate an analog audio signal. The audio codec 923then supplies the generated audio signal to the speaker 924 to outputaudio.

Further, in the data communication mode, for example, the control unit931 generates text data that configures the electronic mail according toan operation by the user through the operation unit 932. Further, thecontrol unit 931 displays texts in the display unit 930. Further, thecontrol unit 931 generates electronic main data according to atransmission instruction from the user through the operation unit 932,and outputs the generated electronic mail data to the communication unit922. The communication unit 922 encodes and modulates the electronicmail data to generate a transmission signal. The communication unit 922then transmits the generated transmission signal to the base station(not illustrated) through the antenna 921. Further, the communicationunit 922 amplifies a wireless signal received through the antenna 921and performs frequency conversion to acquire a reception signal. Thecommunication unit 922 then demodulates and decodes the reception signalto restore the electronic mail data, and outputs the restored electronicmail data to the control unit 931. The control unit 931 displayscontents of the electronic mail in the display unit 930, supplies theelectronic mail data to the recording/reproducing unit 929, and writesthe electronic mail data in a storage medium.

The recording/reproducing unit 929 includes a readable/writablearbitrary storage medium. For example, the storage medium may be abuilt-in type storage medium such as a RAM or a flash memory, or may bean externally-mounted type storage medium such as a hard disk, amagnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, a universalserial bus (USB) memory, or a memory card.

Further, in the capturing mode, for example, the camera unit 926 imagesan object to generate image data, and outputs the generated image datato the image processing unit 927. The image processing unit 927 encodesthe image data input from the camera unit 926, supplies an encodedstream to the recording/reproducing unit 929, and writes the encodedstream in the storage medium.

Further, in the image display mode, the recording/reproducing unit 929reads the encoded stream recorded in the storage medium, and outputs theread encoded stream to the image processing unit 927. The imageprocessing unit 927 decodes the encoded stream input from therecording/reproducing unit 929, supplies image data to the display unit930, and displays an image thereof.

Further, in the TV phone mode, for example, the multiplexing/separatingunit 928 multiplexes the video stream encoded by the image processingunit 927, and the audio stream input from the audio codec 923, andoutputs the multiplexed stream to the communication unit 922. Thecommunication unit 922 encodes and modulates the stream to generate atransmission signal. The communication unit 922 then transmits thegenerated transmission signal to the base station (not illustrated)through the antenna 921. Further, the communication unit 922 amplifies awireless signal received through the antenna 921 and performs frequencyconversion to acquire a reception signal. The encoded bit stream can beincluded in these transmission signal and reception signal. Thecommunication unit 922 then demodulates and decodes the reception signalto restore a stream, and outputs the restored stream to themultiplexing/separating unit 928. The multiplexing/separating unit 928separates the video stream and the audio stream from the input stream,and outputs the video stream to the image processing unit 927 andoutputs the audio stream to the audio codec 923. The image processingunit 927 decodes the video stream to generate video data. The video datais supplied to the display unit 930, and a series of images is displayedby the display unit 930. The audio codec 923 expands the audio streamand performs D/A conversion to generate an analog audio signal. Theaudio codec 923 then supplies the generated audio signal to the speaker924 to output audio.

In the mobile phone device 920 as configured as described above, theimage processing unit 927 has functions of the image encoding device 100and the image decoding device 200 according to the above-describedembodiments. That is, the image processing unit 927 can encode RAW databy the method described in the first or second embodiment, and cancorrectly decode encoded data obtained by the encoding by the methoddescribed in the first or third embodiment. Therefore, the mobile phonedevice 920 can more easily improve the encoding efficiency in theencoding of the RAW data.

Third Application Example Recording/Reproducing Device

FIG. 59 illustrates an example of a schematic configuration of arecording/reproducing device to which the above-described embodimentsare applied. The recording/reproducing device 940 encodes audio data andvideo data of a broadcast program, and records the encoded data in arecording medium, for example. Further, the recording/reproducing device940 may encode the audio data and the video data acquired from anotherdevice, and records the encoded data in the recording medium, forexample. Further, the recording/reproducing device 940 reproduces thedata recorded in the recording medium according to an instruction of auser on a monitor and a speaker, for example. At this time, therecording/reproducing device 940 decodes the audio data and the videodata.

The recording/reproducing device 940 includes a tuner 941, an externalinterface (I/F) unit 942, an encoder 943, a hard disk drive (HDD) 944, adisk drive 945, a selector 946, a decoder 947, an on-screen display(OSD) 948, a control unit 949, and a user interface (I/F) unit 950.

The tuner 941 extracts a signal of a desired channel from a broadcastsignal received through an antenna (not illustrated), and demodulatesthe extracted signal. The tuner 941 then outputs an encoded bit streamobtained by the demodulation to the selector 946. That is, the tuner 941has a role as a transmission unit in the recording/reproducing device940.

The external interface unit 942 is an interface for connecting therecording/reproducing device 940 and an external device or a network.The external interface unit 942 may be, for example, an institute ofelectrical and electronic engineers (IEEE) 1394 interface, a networkinterface, a USB interface, or a flash memory interface. For example,the video data and the audio data received through the externalinterface unit 942 are input to the encoder 943. That is, the externalinterface unit 942 has a role as a transmission unit in therecording/reproducing device 940.

When the video data and the audio data input from the external interfaceunit 942 have not been yet encoded, the encoder 943 encodes the videodata and the audio data. The encoder 943 then outputs an encoded bitstream to the selector 946.

The HDD 944 records the encoded bit stream that is compressed contentdata of video and audio, various programs, and other data in an internalhard disk. Further, the HDD 944 reads the data from the hard disk at thetime of reproduction of the video and the audio.

The disk drive 945 records and reads the data to amounted recordingmedium. The recording medium mounted in the disk drive 945 is, forexample, a digital versatile disc (DVD) disk (a DVD-video, a DVD-randomaccess memory (DVD-RAM), a DVD-recordable (DVD-R), a DVD-rewritable(DVD-RW), a DVD+recordable(DVD+R), DVD+rewritable (a DVD+RW) or thelike), a Blu-ray (registered trademark) disk, or the like.

The selector 946 selects the encoded bit stream input from the tuner 941or the encoder 943 at the time of recording the video and the audio, andoutputs the selected encoded bit stream to the HDD 944 or the disk drive945. Further, the selector 946 outputs the encoded bit stream input fromthe HDD 944 or the disk drive 945 to the decoder 947 at the time ofreproduction of the video and the audio.

The decoder 947 decodes the encoded bit stream to generate the videodata and the audio data. The decoder 947 then outputs the generatedvideo data to the OSD 948. Further, the decoder 947 outputs thegenerated audio data to an external speaker.

The OSD 948 reproduces the video data input from the decoder 947, anddisplays video. Further, the OSD 948 may superimpose an image of a GUIsuch as a menu, a button, or a cursor on the video to be displayed.

The control unit 949 includes a processor such as a CPU and memoriessuch as a RAM and a ROM. The memory stores a program executed by theCPU, program data, and the like. The program stored in the memory isread and executed by the CPU at the time of startup of therecording/reproducing device 940. The CPU controls the operation of therecording/reproducing device 940 according to an operation signal inputfrom the user interface unit 950, for example, by executing the program.

The user interface unit 950 is connected with the control unit 949. Theuser interface unit 950 includes, for example, a button and a switchused by the user to operate the recording/reproducing device 940, areception unit of a remote control signal, and the like. The userinterface unit 950 detects the operation by the user through theseconfiguration elements to generate an operation signal, and outputs thegenerated operation signal to the control unit 949.

In the recording/reproducing device 940 configured as described above,the encoder 943 has a function of the image encoding device 100according to the above-described embodiment. That is, the encoder 943can encode RAW data by the method described in the first or secondembodiment. Further, the decoder 947 has a function of the imagedecoding device 200 according to the above-described embodiment. Thatis, the decoder 947 can correctly decode the encoded data that is theRAW data encoded by the method described in the first or secondembodiment, by the method described in the first or third embodiment.Accordingly, the recording/reproducing device 940 can more easilyimprove the encoding efficiency in the encoding of the RAW data.

Fourth Application Example Imaging Device

FIG. 60 illustrates an example of a schematic configuration of animaging device to which the above-described embodiments are applied. Animaging device 960 images an object, generates an image, encodes imagedata, and records the encoded image data in a recording medium.

The imaging device 960 includes an optical block 961, an imaging unit962, a signal processing unit 963, an image processing unit 964, adisplay unit 965, an external interface (I/F) unit 966, a memory unit967, a media drive 968, an OSD 969, a control unit 970, a user interface(I/F) unit 971, and a bus 972.

The optical block 961 is connected to the imaging unit 962. The imagingunit 962 is connected with the signal processing unit 963. The displayunit 965 is connected with the image processing unit 964. The userinterface unit 971 is connected with the control unit 970. The bus 972mutually connects the image processing unit 964, the external interfaceunit 966, the memory unit 967, the media drive 968, the OSD 969, and thecontrol unit 970.

The optical block 961 includes a focus lens, a diaphragm mechanism, andthe like. The optical block 961 focuses an optical image of an object onan imaging surface of the imaging unit 962. The imaging unit 962includes an image sensor such as a charge coupled device (CCD) or acomplementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), and photoelectricallyconverts the optical image focused on the imaging surface into an imagesignal as an electrical signal. The imaging unit 962 then outputs theimage signal to the signal processing unit 963.

The signal processing unit 963 performs various types of camera signalprocessing such as knee correction, gamma correction, and colorcorrection for the image signal input from the imaging unit 962. Thesignal processing unit 963 outputs the image data subjected to thecamera signal processing to the image processing unit 964.

The image processing unit 964 encodes the image data input from thesignal processing unit 963 to generate encoded data. The imageprocessing unit 964 then outputs the generated encoded data to theexternal interface unit 966 or the media drive 968. Further, the imageprocessing unit 964 decodes the encoded data input from the externalinterface unit 966 or the media drive 968 to generate image data. Theimage processing unit 964 then outputs the generated image data to thedisplay unit 965. Further, the image processing unit 964 may output theimage data input from the signal processing unit 963 to the display unit965 and display the image in the display unit 965. Further, the imageprocessing unit 964 may superimpose data for display acquired from theOSD 969 on an image to be output to the display unit 965.

The OSD 969 generates, for example, an image of a GUI such as a menu, abutton, or a cursor, and outputs the generated image to the imageprocessing unit 964.

The external interface unit 966 is configured as a USB input/outputterminal, for example. The external interface unit 966 connects theimaging device 960 and a printer at the time of printing an image, forexample. Further, a drive is connected to the external interface unit966, as needed. A removable medium such as a magnetic disk or an opticaldisk is mounted to the drive, and a program read from the removablemedium can be installed to the imaging device 960. Further, the externalinterface unit 966 may be configured as a network interface connected toa network such as a LAN or the Internet. That is, the external interfaceunit 966 has a role as a transmission unit in the imaging device 960.

The recording medium mounted to the media drive 968 may be areadable/writable arbitrary removable medium such as a magnetic disk, amagneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory.Further, the recording medium may be mounted to the media drive 968 in afixed manner to configure a non-transportable storage unit like abuilt-in type hard disk drive or a solid state device (SSD).

The control unit 970 includes a processor such as a CPU and memoriessuch as a RAM and a ROM. The memory stores a program executed by theCPU, program data, and the like. The program stored in the memory isread and executed by the CPU at the time of startup of the imagingdevice 960, for example. The CPU controls the operation of the imagingdevice 960 according to an operation signal input from the userinterface unit 971, for example, by executing the program.

The user interface unit 971 is connected with the control unit 970. Theuser interface unit 971 includes, for example, a button and a switchused by the user to operate the imaging device 960. The user interfaceunit 971 detects an operation by the user through the configurationelements to generate an operation signal, and outputs the generatedoperation signal to the control unit 970.

In the imaging device 960 configured as described above, the imageprocessing unit 964 has functions of the image encoding device 100 andthe image decoding device 200 according to the above-describedembodiments. That is, the image processing unit 964 can encode RAW databy the method described in the first or second embodiment, and cancorrectly decode the encoded data obtained by the encoding, by themethod described in the first or third embodiment. Therefore, theimaging device 960 can more easily improve the encoding efficiency inthe encoding of the RAW data.

Note that the present technology can be applied to HTTP streaming suchas MPEG DASH, which selects and uses appropriate encoded data from aplurality of encoded data having mutually different resolutions preparedin advance in units of segment. That is, among such a plurality ofencoded data, information related to encoding and decoding can beshared.

7. Seventh Embodiment Other Implementation Example

Examples of devices and systems to which the present technology isapplied have been described. However, the present technology is notlimited to the examples, and can be implemented as any configuration tobe mounted in such devices or devices that configure such systems, forexample, a processor as system large scale integration (LSI), a modulethat uses a plurality of processors, a unit that uses a plurality ofmodules, a set obtained by further adding other functions to the unit(that is, a configuration of a part of a device).

<Video Set>

An example of when the present technology is implemented as a set willbe described with reference to FIG. 61. FIG. 61 illustrates an exampleof a schematic configuration of a video set to which the presenttechnology is applied.

In recent years, electronic devices have been multi-functionalized. Whena part of the configuration thereof is implemented on sale or on offerin the development or manufacturing thereof, not only a configurationhaving one function being implemented but also a plurality ofconfigurations having related functions being combined and the pluralityof functions being implemented as one set have been common.

A video set 1300 illustrated in FIG. 61 is a multi-functionalizedconfiguration, and is a combination of a device having functions relatedto encoding and decoding of an image (the functions may be related toone of or both of the encoding and the decoding) with a device havinganother function related to the functions.

As illustrated in FIG. 61, the video set 1300 includes a module groupincluding a video module 1311, an external memory 1312, a powermanagement module 1313, a front end module 1314, and the like, and adevice having related functions such as a connectivity 1321, a camera1322, and a sensor 1323.

The module is a component having coherent functions where somemutually-related component functions are integrated. A specific physicalconfiguration is arbitrary. However, for example, a plurality ofprocessors having respective functions, electronic circuit elements suchas a resistance and a capacitor, and other devices being arranged on awiring board and the like being integrated can be considered. Further, anew module being formed of a combination of a module and another module,a processor, and the like can be considered.

In the example of FIG. 61, the video module 1311 is a combination ofconfigurations having functions related to image processing, andincludes an application processor, a video processor, a broadband modem1333, and an RF module 1334.

The processor is an integration of the configurations havingpredetermined functions on a semiconductor chip by system on a chip(SoC), and may be called system large scale integration (LSI) or thelike. The configurations having the predetermined functions may be alogic circuit (hardware configuration), or may be a CPU, a ROM, a RAM,and the like and a program (software configuration) executed using theaforementioned elements, or may be a combination thereof. For example,the processor includes the logic circuit, the CPU, the ROM, the RAM, andthe like, and a part of the functions may be realized by the logiccircuit (hardware configuration), and other functions may be realized bythe program (software configuration) executed by the CPU.

The application processor 1331 of FIG. 61 is a processor that executesan application related to image processing. The application executed inthe application processor 1331 not only performs calculation processingbut also can control the configurations inside and outside the videomodule 1311 such as a video processor 1332 as needed, in order torealize the predetermined functions.

The video processor 1332 is a processor having functions related toencoding/decoding of an image (the functions are related to one or bothof the encoding and the decoding).

The broadband modem 1333 digitally modulates data (digital signal) to betransmitted by wired or wireless (or both) broadband communication,which is performed through a broadband line such as the Internet or apublic telephone line network, to convert the data into an analogsignal, and demodulates the analog signal received by the broadbandcommunication to convert the analog signal into data (digital signal).The broadband modem 1333 processes arbitrary information such as imagedata processed by the video processor 1332, a stream that is encodedimage data, an application program, and setting data.

The RF module 1334 is a module that performs frequency conversion,modulation/demodulation, amplification, filter processing, and the likefor a radio frequency (RF) signal transmitted/received through anantenna. For example, the RF module 1334 performs the frequencyconversion and the like for a base band signal generated in thebroadband modem 1333 to generate an RF signal. Further, for example, theRF module 1334 performs the frequency conversion and the like for the RFsignal received through the front end module 1314 to generate a baseband signal.

Note that, as illustrated by the dotted line 1341 in FIG. 61, theapplication processor 1331 and the video processor 1332 are integrated,and configured as one processor.

The external memory 1312 is a module including a storage device used bythe video module 1311, and provided outside the video module 1311. Thestorage device of the external memory 1312 may be realized by anyphysical configuration. However, typically, the storage device is oftenused to store high-capacity data like image data in units of frame.Therefore, for example, the storage device is desirably realized by arelatively-cheap and high-capacity semiconductor memory like a dynamicrandom access memory (DRAM).

The power management module 1313 manages and controls power supply tothe video module 1311 (the configurations in the video module 1311).

The front end module 1314 is a module that provides a front end function(an antenna-side transmission/reception-end circuit) to the RF module1334. As illustrated in FIG. 61, the front end module 1314 includes, forexample, an antenna unit 1351, a filter 1352, and an amplifying unit1353.

The antenna unit 1351 includes an antenna that transmits/receives awireless signal and its peripheral configurations. The antenna unit 1351transmits a signal supplied from the amplifying unit 1353 as a wirelesssignal, and supplies the received wireless signal to the filter 1352 asan electrical signal (RF signal). The filter 1352 performs filterprocessing and the like for the RF signal received through the antennaunit 1351, and supplies the RF signal subjected to the processing to theRF module 1334. The amplifying unit 1353 amplifies the RF signalsupplied from the RF module 1334, and supplies the amplified RF signalto the antenna unit 1351.

The connectivity 1321 is a module having a function related toconnection with an outside. A physical configuration of the connectivity1321 is arbitrary. For example, the connectivity 1321 includes aconfiguration having a communication function other than thecommunication standard supported by the broadband modem 1333, anexternal input/output terminal, and the like.

For example, the connectivity 1321 may include a module having acommunication function complying with a wireless communication standardsuch as Bluetooth (registered trademark), IEEE 802.11 (for example,Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi, registered trademark)), Near FieldCommunication (NFC), or IrDA (InfraRed Data Association), or may includean antenna that transmits/receives a signal and the like that complywith the standard. Further, for example, the connectivity 1321 mayinclude a module having a communication function complying with a wiredcommunication standard such as Universal Serial Bus (USB) orHigh-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI, registered trademark), or aterminal complying with the standard. Further, for example, theconnectivity 1321 may have another data (signal) transmission functionsuch as an analog input/output terminal.

Note that the connectivity 1321 may include a device of a transmissiondestination of the data (signal). For example, the connectivity 1321 mayinclude a drive (including not only a drive of a removable medium butalso a hard disk, a solid state drive (SSD), a network attached storage(NAS), and the like) which reads/writes data from/to a recording mediumsuch as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, an magnetoptical disk, or asemiconductor memory. Further, the connectivity 1321 may include anoutput device (such as a monitor or a speaker) of an image or audio.

The camera 1322 is a module having a function to image an object andobtain image data of the object. The image data obtained by the imagingby the camera 1322 is supplied to the video processor 1332, for example,and is encoded.

The sensor 1323 is a module having an arbitrary sensor function such asan audio sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an optical sensor, an illuminancesensor, an infrared sensor, an image sensor, a rotation sensor, an anglesensor, an angular speed sensor, a speed sensor, an acceleration sensor,an inclination sensor, a magnetic identification sensor, an impactsensor, a temperature sensor. Data detected by the sensor 1323 is, forexample, supplied to the application processor 1331 and operated by theapplications and the like.

The configuration described above as the module may be realized as aprocessor. Contrary to that, the configuration described as theprocessor may be realized as a module.

In the video set 1300 having the above configuration, the presenttechnology can be applied to the video processor 1332 as describedbelow. Therefore, the video set 1300 can be implemented as a set towhich the present technology is applied.

<Configuration Example of Video Processor>

FIG. 62 illustrates an example of a schematic configuration of a videoprocessor 1332 (FIG. 61) to which the present technology is applied.

In the example of FIG. 62, the video processor 1332 has a function toencode a video signal and an audio signal in a predetermined system uponreceipt of inputs of these signals, and a function to decode the encodedvideo data and audio data, and to reproduce and output the video signaland the audio signal.

As illustrated in FIG. 62, the video processor 1332 includes a videoinput processing unit 1401, a first image enlargement/reduction unit1402, a second image enlargement/reduction unit 1403, a video outputprocessing unit 1404, a frame memory 1405, and a memory control unit1406. Further, the video processor 1332 includes an encode/decode engine1407, video ES (elementary stream) buffers 1408A and 1408B, and audio ESbuffers 1409A and 1409B. Further, the video processor 1332 includes anaudio encoder 1410, an audio decoder 1411, a multiplexer (MUX) 1412, ademultiplexer (DMUX) 1413, and a stream buffer 1414.

The video input processing unit 1401 acquires the video signal inputfrom the connectivity 1321 (FIG. 61) or the like, and converts the videosignal into digital image data, for example. The first imageenlargement/reduction unit 1402 performs format conversion,enlargement/reduction processing of an image, and the like, for theimage data. The second image enlargement/reduction unit 1403 performs,for the image data, enlargement/reduction processing of an imageaccording to a format in an output destination through the video outputprocessing unit 1404, and format conversion and enlargement/reductionprocessing of an image similar to those of the first imageenlargement/reduction unit 1402. The video output processing unit 1404performs, for the image data, format conversion, conversion into ananalog signal, and the like, and outputs the analog signal to theconnectivity 1321, and the like as a reproduced video signal.

The frame memory 1405 is a memory for image data commonly used by thevideo input processing unit 1401, the first image enlargement/reductionunit 1402, the second image enlargement/reduction unit 1403, the videooutput processing unit 1404, and the encode/decode engine 1407. Theframe memory 1405 is realized as a semiconductor memory such as a DRAM.

The memory control unit 1406 controls an access of writing/readingto/from the frame memory 1405 according to an access schedule to theframe memory 1405 written in an access management table 1406A, uponreceipt of a synchronization signal from the encode/decode engine 1407.The access management table 1406A is updated by the memory control unit1406 according to processing executed in the encode/decode engine 1407,the first image enlargement/reduction unit 1402, the second imageenlargement/reduction unit 1403, and the like.

The encode/decode engine 1407 performs encoding processing of the imagedata, and decoding processing of a video stream that is encoded imagedata. For example, the encode/decode engine 1407 encodes the image dataread from the frame memory 1405, and sequentially writes the image datain the video ES buffer 1408A as a video stream. Further, for example,the encode/decode engine 1407 sequentially reads the video stream fromthe video ES buffer 1408B, and sequentially writes the video stream inthe frame memory 1405 as image data. The encode/decode engine 1407 usesthe frame memory 1405 as a work area in the encoding and decoding.Further, the encode/decode engine 1407 outputs a synchronization signalto the memory control unit 1406 at timing when starting processing foreach macroblock.

The video ES buffer 1408A buffers the video stream generated by theencode/decode engine 1407, and supplies the video steam to themultiplexer (MUX) 1412. The video ES buffer 1408B buffers the videostream supplied from the demultiplexer (DMUX) 1413, and supplies thevideo stream to the encode/decode engine 1407.

The audio ES buffer 1409A buffers the audio stream generated by theaudio encoder 1410, and supplies the audio stream to the multiplexer(MUX) 1412. The audio ES buffer 1409B buffers the audio stream suppliedfrom the demultiplexer (DMUX) 1413, and supplies the audio stream to theaudio decoder 1411.

The audio encoder 1410, for example, digitally converts the audio signalinput from the connectivity 1321 or the like, and encodes the audiosignal in a predetermined system such as an MPEG audio system or anaudio code number 3 (AC3) system. The audio encoder 1410 sequentiallywrites the audio stream that is an encoded audio signal in the audio ESbuffer 1409A. The audio decoder 1411 decodes the audio stream suppliedfrom the audio ES buffer 1409B, converts the audio stream into an analogsignal, and supplies the analog signal to the connectivity 1321 and thelike as a reproduced audio signal.

The multiplexer (MUX) 1412 multiplexes the video stream and the audiostream. A multiplexing method (that is, a format of a bit streamgenerated by the multiplexing) is arbitrary. Further, in themultiplexing, the multiplexer (MUX) 1412 can add predetermined headerinformation and the like to the bit stream. That is, the multiplexer(MUX) 1412 can convert the format of the stream by the multiplexing. Forexample, the multiplexer (MUX) 1412 multiplexes and converts the videostream and the audio stream into a transport stream that is a bit streamin a format for transfer. Further, for example, the multiplexer (MUX)1412 multiplexes and converts the video stream and the audio stream intodata (file data) in a file format for recording.

The demultiplexer (DMUX) 1413 demultiplexes the bit stream that is themultiplexed video stream and audio stream, by a method corresponding tothe multiplexing by the multiplexer (MUX) 1412. That is, thedemultiplexer (DMUX) 1413 extracts the video stream and the audio streamfrom the bit stream read from the stream buffer 1414 (separates the bitstream into the video stream and the audio stream). That is, thedemultiplexer (DMUX) 1413 can convert the format of the stream by thedemultiplexing (inverse transform to the conversion by the multiplexer(MUX) 1412). For example, the demultiplexer (DMUX) 1413 acquires thetransport stream supplied from the connectivity 1321, the broadbandmodem 1333, or the like through the stream buffer 1414, and can convertthe transport stream into the video stream and the audio stream bydemultiplexing the transport stream. Further, for example, thedemultiplexer (DMUX) 1413 acquires the file data read from variousrecording media by, for example, the connectivity 1321 through thestream buffer 1414, and can convert the file data into the video streamand the audio stream by demultiplexing the file data.

The stream buffer 1414 buffers the bit stream. For example, the streambuffer 1414 buffers the transport stream supplied from the multiplexer(MUX) 1412, and supplies the transport stream to the connectivity 1321,the broadband modem 1333, and the like at predetermined timing or basedon a request from an outside or the like.

Further, for example, the stream buffer 1414 buffers the file datasupplied from the multiplexer (MUX) 1412, supplies the file data to theconnectivity 1321, and the like at predetermined timing or based on arequest from an outside or the like, and records the file data invarious recording media.

Further, the stream buffer 1414 buffers the transport stream acquiredthrough the connectivity 1321, the broadband modem 1333, or the like,and supplies the transport stream to the demultiplexer (DMUX) 1413 atpredetermined timing or based on a request from an outside or the like.

Further, the stream buffer 1414 buffers the file data read from thevarious recording media in the connectivity 1321 or the like, andsupplies the file data to the demultiplexer (DMUX) 1413 at predeterminedtiming or based on a request from an outside or the like.

Next, an example of an operation of the video processor 1332 having sucha configuration will be described. For example, a video signal inputfrom the connectivity 1321 or the like to the video processor 1332 isconverted into digital image data in a predetermined system such as a4:2:2 Y/Cb/Cr system in the video input processing unit 1401, and issequentially written to the frame memory 1405. The digital image data isread by the first image enlargement/reduction unit 1402 or the secondimage enlargement/reduction unit 1403, format conversion of the 4:2:0Y/Cb/Cr system into a predetermined system and enlargement/reductionprocessing are performed, and the data is written to the frame memory1405 again. The image data is encoded by the encode/decode engine 1407,and is written to the video ES buffer 1408A as a video stream.

Further, an audio signal input from the connectivity 1321 or the like tothe video processor 1332 is encoded by the audio encoder 1410, and iswritten to the audio ES buffer 1409A as an audio stream.

The video stream in the video ES buffer 1408A and the audio stream inthe audio ES buffer 1409A are read and multiplexed by the multiplexer(MUX) 1412, and are converted into a transport stream, file data, or thelike. The transport stream generated by the multiplexer (MUX) 1412 isbuffered in the stream buffer 1414, and is then output to an externalnetwork through the connectivity 1321, the broadband modem 1333, and thelike. Further, the file data generated by the multiplexer (MUX) 1412 isbuffered in the stream buffer 1414, is output to the connectivity 1321,and the like, and is recorded in various recording media.

Further, the transport stream input to the video processor 1332 from anexternal network through the connectivity 1321, the broadband modem1333, and the like is buffered in the stream buffer 1414, and is thendemultiplexed by the demultiplexer (DMUX) 1413. Further, for example,the file data read from the various recording media in the connectivity1321 and the like and is input to the video processor 1332 is bufferedin the stream buffer 1414, and is then demultiplexed by thedemultiplexer (DMUX) 1413. That is, the transport stream or the filedata input to the video processor 1332 is separated into the videostream and the audio stream by the demultiplexer (DMUX) 1413.

The audio stream is supplied to the audio decoder 1411 through the audioES buffer 1409B and is decoded, so that the audio signal is reproduced.Further, the video stream is written to the video ES buffer 1408B, isthen sequentially read and decoded by the encode/decode engine 1407, andis written to the frame memory 1405. The decoded image data is subjectedto enlargement/reduction processing by the second imageenlargement/reduction unit 1403, ad is written to the frame memory 1405.Then, the decoded image data is read by the video output processing unit1404, is format-converted into a predetermined system such as a 4:2:2Y/Cb/Cr system, and is further converted into an analog signal, and thevideo signal is reproduced and output.

When the present technology is applied to the video processor 1332configured as described above, the present technology according to theembodiments may just be applied to the encode/decode engine 1407. Thatis, for example, the encode/decode engine 1407 may just have thefunctions of the image encoding device 100 and the image decoding device200 according to the embodiments. In doing so, the video processor 1332can have similar effects to the above-described effects by reference toFIGS. 1 to 52.

Note that, in the encode/decode engine 1407, the present technology(that is, the functions of the image encoding device and the imagedecoding device according to the embodiments) may be realized byhardware such as a logic circuit, may be realized by software such as anincorporated program, or may be realized by both the software and thehardware.

<Another Configuration Example of Video Processor>

FIG. 63 illustrates another example of a schematic configuration of thevideo processor 1332 to which the present technology is applied. In theexample of FIG. 63, the video processor 1332 has a function toencode/decode video data in a predetermined system.

To be specific, as illustrated in FIG. 63, the video processor 1332includes a control unit 1511, a display interface 1512, a display engine1513, an image processing engine 1514, and an internal memory 1515.Further, the video processor 1332 includes a codec engine 1516, a memoryinterface 1517, a multiplexer/demultiplexer (MUX DMUX) 1518, a networkinterface 1519, and a video interface 1520.

The control unit 1511 controls operations of the processing units in thevideo processor 1332 such as the display interface 1512, the displayengine 1513, and the image processing engine 1514, and the codec engine1516.

As illustrated in FIG. 63, the control unit 1511 includes a main CPU1531, a sub CPU 1532, and a system controller 1533. The main CPU 1531executes a program and the like for controlling the operations of theprocessing units in the video processor 1332. The main CPU 1531generates a control signal according to the program and the like, andsupplies the control signal to the processing units (that is, controlsthe operations of the processing units). The sub CPU 1532 serves anauxiliary role of the main CPU 1531. For example, the sub CPU 1532executes a child process or a sub routine of the program and the likeexecuted by the main CPU 1531. The system controller 1533 controls theoperations of the main CPU 1531 and the sub CPU 1532 such as specifyingthe program executed by the main CPU 1531 and the sub CPU 1532.

The display interface 1512 outputs image data to the connectivity 1321and the like under control of the control unit 1511. For example, thedisplay interface 1512 converts the image data of digital data into ananalog signal, and outputs the analog signal to a monitor device of theconnectivity 1321 and the like as a reproduced video signal, or as theimage data of digital data as it is.

The display engine 1513 performs various types of conversion processingsuch as format conversion, size conversion, color region conversion forthe image data to be matched with hardware specifications of the monitordevice on which an image of the image data is displayed, and the like,under control of the control unit 1511.

The image processing engine 1514 applies predetermined image processingsuch as filter processing for improvement of image quality, for theimage data, under control of the control unit 1511.

The internal memory 1515 is a memory provided inside the video processor1332, and commonly used by the display engine 1513, the image processingengine 1514, and the codec engine 1516. The internal memory 1515 is usedto transfer data performed among the display engine 1513, the imageprocessing engine 1514, and the codec engine 1516. For example, theinternal memory 1515 stores data supplied from the display engine 1513,the image processing engine 1514, or the codec engine 1516, and suppliesthe data to the display engine 1513, the image processing engine 1514,or the codec engine 1516, as needed (for example, in response to arequest). The internal memory 1515 may be realized by any storagedevice. However, since the internal memory 1515 is typically used tostore low-capacity data such as image data or parameters in units ofblock, the internal memory 1515 is desirably realized by a semiconductormemory having a low capacity but a high response speed (compared withthe external memory 1312, for example), like a static random accessmemory (SRAM).

The codec engine 1516 performs processing related to encoding ordecoding of the image data. The system of encoding/decoding supported bythe codec engine 1516 is arbitrary, and one or a plurality of thesystems may be employed. For example, the codec engine 1516 may have acodec function of a plurality of encoding/decoding systems, and performencoding of the image data or decoding of the encoded data by the systemselected therefrom.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 63, the codec engine 1516 includes,for example, MPEG-2 Video 1541, AVC/H.264 1542, HEVC/H.265 1543,HEVC/H.265 (Scalable) 1544, HEVC/H.265 (Multi-view) 1545, and MPEG-DASH1551 as function blocks of the processing related to codec.

The MPEG-2 Video 1541 is a function block that encodes and decodes theimage data in the MPEG-2 system. TheAVC/H. 264 1542 is a function blockthat encodes and decodes the image data in the AVC system. TheHEVC/H.265 1543 is a function block that encodes and decodes the imagedata in the HEVC system. The HEVC/H.265 (Scalable) 1544 is a functionblock that scalably encodes and scalably decodes the image data in theHEVC system. The HEVC/H.265 (Multi-view) 1545 is a function block thatmulti-view encodes or multi-view decodes the image data in the HEVCsystem.

The MPEG-DASH 1551 is a function block that transmits/receives the imagedata in the MPEG-dynamic adaptive streaming over HTTP (MPEG-DASH)system. The MPEG-DASH is a technology for performing streaming of videousing the hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP), and is characterized toselect an appropriate one from among a plurality of encoded data havingmutually different resolutions and prepared in advance in units ofsegment, and transfer the selected one. The MPEG-DASH 1551 controlsgeneration of a stream and transfer of the stream complying with thestandard, and uses the above-described MPEG-2 Video 1541 to HEVC/H. 265(Multi-view) 1545 for the encoding/decoding of the image data.

The memory interface 1517 is an interface for the external memory 1312.Data supplied from the image processing engine 1514 and the codec engine1516 is supplied to the external memory 1312 through the memoryinterface 1517. Further, data read from the external memory 1312 issupplied to the video processor 1332 (the image processing engine 1514or the codec engine 1516) through the memory interface 1517.

The multiplexer/demultiplexer (MUX DMUX) 1518 multiplexes anddemultiplexes various data related to an image such as a bit stream ofencoded data, image data, and a video signal. The method ofmultiplexing/demultiplexing is arbitrary. For example, in multiplexing,the multiplexer/demultiplexer (MUX DMUX) 1518 not only integrates aplurality of data to one, but also can add predetermined headerinformation and the like to the data. Further, in demultiplexing, themultiplexer/demultiplexer (MUX DMUX) 1518 not only divides one data intoa plurality of data, but also can add predetermined header informationand the like to each divided data. That is, themultiplexer/demultiplexer (MUX DMUX) 1518 can convert the format of thedata by the multiplexing/demultiplexing. For example, themultiplexer/demultiplexer (MUX DMUX) 1518 can convert the format of thedata into a transport stream that is a bit stream of a format fortransfer or data (file data) in a file format for recording bymultiplexing the bit stream. Apparently, inverse transform is possibleby demultiplexing.

The network interface 1519 is an interface intended for the broadbandmodem 1333, the connectivity 1321, and the like. The video interface1520 is an interface intended for the connectivity 1321, the camera1322, and the like.

Next, an example of an operation of the video processor 1332 will bedescribed. For example, when having received the transform stream fromthe external network through the connectivity 1321, the broadband modem1333, and the like, the transport stream is supplied to themultiplexer/demultiplexer (MUX DMUX) 1518 through the network interface1519 and is demultiplexed, and is decoded by the codec engine 1516. Theimage data obtained by the decoding by the codec engine 1516 issubjected to predetermined image processing by the image processingengine 1514, is subjected to predetermined conversion by the displayengine 1513, and is supplied to the connectivity 1321 and the likethrough the display interface 1512, and an image thereof is displayed ona monitor. Further, for example, the image data obtained by the decodingby the codec engine 1516 is re-encoded by the codec engine 1516, ismultiplexed by the multiplexer/demultiplexer (MUX DMUX) 1518 andconverted into file data, is output to the connectivity 1321 and thelike through the video interface 1520, and is recorded in variousrecording media.

Further, for example, the file data of the encoded data that is encodedimage data read from a recording medium (not illustrated) by theconnectivity 1321 and the like is supplied to themultiplexer/demultiplexer (MUX DMUX) 1518 through the video interface1520 and is demultiplexed, and is decoded by the codec engine 1516. Theimage data obtained by the decoding by the codec engine 1516 issubjected to predetermined image processing by the image processingengine 1514, is subjected to predetermined conversion by the displayengine 1513, and is supplied to the connectivity 1321 and the likethrough the display interface 1512, and an image thereof is displayed onthe monitor. Further, for example, the image data obtained by thedecoding of the codec engine 1516 is re-encoded by the codec engine1516, is multiplexed by the multiplexer/demultiplexer (MUX DMUX) 1518and converted into a transport stream, is supplied to the connectivity1321, the broadband modem 1333, and the like through the networkinterface 1519, and is transferred to another device (not illustrated).

Note that transfer of the image data and other data among the processingunits in the video processor 1332 is performed using, for example, theinternal memory 1515 and the external memory 1312. Further, the powermanagement module 1313, for example, controls power supply to thecontrol unit 1511.

When the present technology is applied to the video processor 1332configured as described above, the present technology according to theembodiments may just be applied to the codec engine 1516. That is, forexample, the codec engine 1516 may just include function blocks thatrealize the image encoding device 100 and the image decoding device 200according to the above-described embodiments. In doing so, the videoprocessor 1332 can obtain similar effects to the above-described effectsby reference to FIGS. 1 to 52.

The present technology (that is, the functions of the image encodingdevice and the image decoding device according to the embodiments) maybe realized by hardware such as a logic circuit, may be realized bysoftware such as an incorporated program, or may be realized by both thehardware and the software, in the codec engine 1516.

Two examples of the configuration of the video processor 1332 have beendescribed. However, the configuration of the video processor 1332 isarbitrary, and configurations other than the above two examples may beemployed. Further, the video processor 1332 may be configured as onesemiconductor chip, or may be configured as a plurality of semiconductorchips. For example, the video processor 1332 may be a three-dimensionallaminated LSI in which a plurality of semiconductors is laminated.Further, the video processor 1332 may be realized by a plurality ofLSIs.

<Application Example to Devices>

The video set 1300 can be incorporated in various devices that processthe image data. For example, the video set 1300 can be incorporated inthe television device 900 (FIG. 57), the mobile phone device 920 (FIG.58), the recording/reproducing device 940 (FIG. 59), the imaging device960 (FIG. 60), and the like. By incorporation of the video set 1300, thedevice can obtain similar effects to the above-described effects byreference to FIGS. 1 to 52.

A part of the configurations of the video set 1300 can be implemented asa configuration to which the present technology is applied as long asthe configuration includes the video processor 1332. For example, onlythe video processor 1332 can be implemented as a video processor towhich the present technology is applied. Further, for example, theprocessor illustrated by the dotted line 1341, the video module 1311,and the like can be implemented as a processor or a module to which thepresent technology is applied. Further, for example, the video module1311, the external memory 1312, the power management module 1313, andthe front end module 1314 are combined, and can be implemented as avideo unit 1361 to which the present technology is applied. In eitherconfiguration, similar effects to the above-described effects byreference to FIGS. 1 to 52 can be obtained.

That is, any configuration can be incorporated in various devices thatprocess the image data as long as the configuration includes the videoprocessor 1332, similarly to the case of the video set 1300. Forexample, the video processor 1332, the processor illustrated by thedotted line 1341, the video module 1311, and the video unit 1361 can beincorporated in the television device 900 (FIG. 57), the mobile phonedevice 920 (FIG. 58), the recording/reproducing device 940 (FIG. 59),the imaging device 960 (FIG. 60), and the like. Further, byincorporation of any of the configurations to which the presenttechnology is applied, the device can obtain similar effects to theabove-described effects by reference to FIGS. 1 to 52, similarly to thecase of the video set 1300.

Further, in the present specification, an example in which various typesof information are multiplexed into an encoded stream, and aretransmitted from the encoding side to the decoding side has beendescribed. However, the technique to transmit the information is notlimited to the example. For example, the information may be transmittedor recorded as separate data associated with an encoded bit streamwithout being multiplexed into the encoded bit stream. Here, the term“associate” means enabling an image included in a bit stream (may be apart of the image such as a slice or a block) and informationcorresponding to the image to be linked at the time of decoding. Thatis, the information may be transmitted on a separate transmission linefrom that for the image (or the bit stream). Further, the informationmay be recorded in a separate recording medium (or a separate recordingarea in the same recording medium) from that for the image (or the bitstream). Further, the information and the image (or the bit stream) maybe associated with each other in arbitrary units such as in a pluralityof frames, one frame, or a part in a frame.

Note that the present technology can employ following configurations.

(1)

An image processing apparatus including:

a packing processing unit configured to perform packing processing ofrearranging pixel data of RAW data that is image data before demosaicingprocessing is performed according to the degree of correlation; and

an encoding unit configured to encode the RAW data subjected to thepacking processing by the packing processing unit.

(2)

The image processing apparatus according to any one of (1), and (3) to(9), wherein the packing processing unit includes

a separating unit that separates the pixel data of the RAW data on adata by data basis, the data having high correlation,

an rearrangement unit that rearranges pixel data groups separated on adata by data basis, the data having high correlation, by the separatingunit, and

a generation unit that generates packing information related to thepacking processing.

(3)

The image processing apparatus according to any one of (1), (2), and (4)to (9), wherein the separating unit separates the pixel data on a pixelby pixel basis, the pixel being allocated the same type of filter.

(4)

The image processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3), and(5) to (9), wherein the separating unit separates the pixel data on apixel by pixel basis, the pixel being allocated a color filter of thesame color.

(5)

The image processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (4), and(6) to (9), wherein the rearrangement unit rearranges the pixel datagroups as components of a predetermined color space, and

the encoding unit encodes the components together or dependently of eachother.

(6)

The image processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (5), and(7) to (9), wherein the encoding unit encodes the components on apartial region by partial region basis of an image of the RAW data.

(7)

The image processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (6), (8),and (9), wherein the rearrangement unit rearranges the pixel data groupsas mutually different partial regions of one or a plurality of images.

(8)

The image processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (7), and(9), wherein the rearrangement unit rearranges the pixel data groups asdata of mutually different hierarchies of hierarchized image data.

(9)

The image processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (8),wherein the rearrangement unit rearranges the image data subjected tothe demosaicing processing to a part of hierarchies.

(10)

An image processing method including:

performing packing processing of rearranging pixel data of RAW data thatis image data before demosaicing processing is performed according tothe degree of correlation; and

encoding the RAW data subjected to the packing processing.

(11)

An image processing apparatus including: a decoding unit configured todecode encoded data that is encoded RAW data that is image data beforedemosaicing processing is performed; and

an unpacking processing unit configured to perform unpacking processingof returning pixel data to an arrangement before packing processing isperformed, for the RAW data subjected to the packing processing ofrearranging the pixel data according to the degree of correlation, theRAW data being obtained by decoding by the decoding unit.

(12)

The image processing apparatus according to any one of (11), and (13) to(19), wherein the unpacking processing unit includes

a parsing unit that parses packing information related to the packingprocessing,

a separating unit that separates the pixel data of the RAW datasubjected to the packing processing, based on the packing informationparsed by the parsing unit, and

a rearrangement unit that rearranges the pixel data separated on a databy data basis, the data having high correlation, by the separating unit,to be returned to an arrangement before the packing processing isperformed, based on the packing information parsed by the parsing unit.

(13)

The image processing apparatus according to any one of (11), (12), and(14) to (19), wherein the separating unit separates the pixel datarearranged on a pixel by pixel basis, the pixel being allocated the sametype of filter by the packing processing, and

the rearrangement unit rearranges the pixel data according to an arrayof the filter.

(14)

The image processing apparatus according to any one of (11) to (13), and(15) to (19), wherein the separating unit separates the pixel datarearranged on a pixel by pixel basis, the pixel being allocated a colorfilter of the same color by the packing processing, and

the rearrangement unit rearranges the pixel data according to an arrayof the color filter.

(15)

The image processing apparatus according to any one of (11) to (14), and(16) to (19), wherein the separating unit separates the pixel datarearranged into components of a predetermined color space on a data bydata basis, the data having high correlation.

(16)

The image processing apparatus according to any one of (11) to (15), and(17) to (19), wherein the decoding unit decodes the encoded data that isencoded components on a partial region by partial region basis of animage of the RAW data, on the partial region by partial region basis.

(17)

The image processing apparatus according to any one of (11) to (16),(18), and (19), wherein the separating unit separates the pixel datarearranged in mutually different partial regions of one or a pluralityof images on a data by data basis, the data having high correlation.

(18)

The image processing apparatus according to any one of (11) to (17), and(19), wherein the separating unit separates the pixel data rearranged inmutually different hierarchies of hierarchized image data on a data bydata basis, the data having high correlation.

(19)

The image processing apparatus according to any one of (11) to (18),wherein the separating unit separates the pixel data rearranged in otherhierarchies except a part of hierarchies, the image data subjected tothe demosaicing processing being arranged in the part.

(20)

An image processing method including:

decoding encoded data that is encoded RAW data that is image data beforedemosaicing processing is performed; and

performing unpacking processing of returning the pixel data to anarrangement before packing processing is performed, for the RAW datasubjected to the packing processing of rearranging the pixel dataaccording to the degree of correlation, the RAW data being obtained bydecoding.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   100 Image encoding device-   101 Camera sensor-   102 Packing unit-   103 Image encoding unit-   104 Transmission unit-   105 RAW data encoding unit-   111 Separating unit-   112 Rearrangement unit-   113 Packing information generation unit-   121 Setting unit-   122 Encoding unit-   131 Base layer image encoding unit-   132 Enhancement layer image encoding unit-   133 Multiplexer-   134 Control unit-   200 Image decoding device-   201 Receiving unit-   202 Image decoding unit-   203 Unpacking unit-   204 Development processing unit-   211 Decoding unit-   212 Packing information extraction unit-   221 Demultiplexer-   222 Base layer image decoding unit-   223 Enhancement layer image decoding unit-   224 Control unit-   271 Packing information parsing unit-   272 Separating unit-   273 Rearrangement unit

1. An image processing apparatus comprising: a packing processing unitconfigured to perform packing processing of rearranging pixel data ofRAW data that is image data before demosaicing processing is performedaccording to the degree of correlation; and an encoding unit configuredto encode the RAW data subjected to the packing processing by thepacking processing unit.
 2. The image processing apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the packing processing unit includes a separating unitthat separates the pixel data of the RAW data on a data by data basis,the data having high correlation, an rearrangement unit that rearrangespixel data groups separated on a data by data basis, the data havinghigh correlation, by the separating unit, and a generation unit thatgenerates packing information related to the packing processing.
 3. Theimage processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the separatingunit separates the pixel data on a pixel by pixel basis, the pixel beingallocated the same type of filter.
 4. The image processing apparatusaccording to claim 3, wherein the separating unit separates the pixeldata on a pixel by pixel basis, the pixel being allocated a color filterof the same color.
 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim2, wherein the rearrangement unit rearranges the pixel data groups ascomponents of a predetermined color space, and the encoding unit encodesthe components together or dependently of each other.
 6. The imageprocessing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the encoding unitencodes the components on a partial region by partial region basis of animage of the RAW data.
 7. The image processing apparatus according toclaim 2, wherein the rearrangement unit rearranges the pixel data groupsas mutually different partial regions of one or a plurality of images.8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein therearrangement unit rearranges the pixel data groups as data of mutuallydifferent hierarchies of hierarchized image data.
 9. The imageprocessing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the rearrangementunit rearranges the image data subjected to the demosaicing processingto a part of hierarchies.
 10. An image processing method comprising:performing packing processing of rearranging pixel data of RAW data thatis image data before demosaicing processing is performed according tothe degree of correlation; and encoding the RAW data subjected to thepacking processing.
 11. An image processing apparatus comprising: adecoding unit configured to decode encoded data that is encoded RAW datathat is image data before demosaicing processing is performed; and anunpacking processing unit configured to perform unpacking processing ofreturning pixel data to an arrangement before packing processing isperformed, for the RAW data subjected to the packing processing ofrearranging the pixel data according to the degree of correlation, theRAW data being obtained by decoding by the decoding unit.
 12. The imageprocessing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the unpackingprocessing unit includes a parsing unit that parses packing informationrelated to the packing processing, a separating unit that separates thepixel data of the RAW data subjected to the packing processing, based onthe packing information parsed by the parsing unit, and a rearrangementunit that rearranges the pixel data separated on a data by data basis,the data having high correlation, by the separating unit, to be returnedto an arrangement before the packing processing is performed, based onthe packing information parsed by the parsing unit.
 13. The imageprocessing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the separating unitseparates the pixel data rearranged on a pixel by pixel basis, the pixelbeing allocated the same type of filter by the packing processing, andthe rearrangement unit rearranges the pixel data according to an arrayof the filter.
 14. The image processing apparatus according to claim 13,wherein the separating unit separates the pixel data rearranged on apixel by pixel basis, the pixel being allocated a color filter of thesame color by the packing processing, and the rearrangement unitrearranges the pixel data according to an array of the color filter. 15.The image processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein theseparating unit separates the pixel data rearranged into components of apredetermined color space on a data by data basis, the data having highcorrelation.
 16. The image processing apparatus according to claim 15,wherein the decoding unit decodes the encoded data that is encodedcomponents on a partial region by partial region basis of an image ofthe RAW data, on the partial region by partial region basis.
 17. Theimage processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the separatingunit separates the pixel data rearranged in mutually different partialregions of one or a plurality of images on a data by data basis, thedata having high correlation.
 18. The image processing apparatusaccording to claim 12, wherein the separating unit separates the pixeldata rearranged in mutually different hierarchies of hierarchized imagedata on a data by data basis, the data having high correlation.
 19. Theimage processing apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the separatingunit separates the pixel data rearranged in other hierarchies except apart of hierarchies, the image data subjected to the demosaicingprocessing being arranged in the part.
 20. An image processing methodcomprising: decoding encoded data that is encoded RAW data that is imagedata before demosaicing processing is performed; and performingunpacking processing of returning the pixel data to an arrangementbefore packing processing is performed, for the RAW data subjected tothe packing processing of rearranging the pixel data according to thedegree of correlation, the RAW data being obtained by decoding.